This week on Fronteras:
· Central Americans Crossing Border, Overwhelming Texas Shelters
· NAFTA Supporters Say The Trade Agreement Has Benefited Economies
· Texas Flood Survivors Still Rebuilding One Year Later
· Golf Helps Students Score In School
Central Americans Crossing Border, Overwhelming Texas Shelters
The number of Central American immigrants crossing into the United State from Mexico is once again rising, straining resources in Texas border communities. The federal government has spent almost two years enacting programs designed to stem the flow of migrants, yet the number of families and children apprehended along the border has doubled since last summer. NPR’s John Burnett takes a look at government efforts and the continued violence and poverty that prompts families to make the long, dangerous trip. The story originally aired on NPR’s Morning Addition May 31.
NAFTA Supporters Defend Against Criticism From Presidential Candidates
Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders have both slammed global trade agreements, including NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement signed in 1992. Critics claim agreements like NAFTA send good jobs overseas. A newly formed Mexican –American lobby group doesn’t agree. It’s trying to convince nay-sayers and the public that the agreements have improved the economies of all countries involved. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies explored the trade agreement issue in a recent program and has this report.
Texas Flood Survivors Still Rebuilding One Year Later
Once again May in Texas has brought an abundance of rain that’s led to flooding and death in some parts of the state. It’s a reminder of the deadly floods that struck Central Texas a year ago. The recovery efforts in cities like San Marcos and Wimberley have made the news, but there are other struggling communities you haven’t heard as much about. Vanessa Rancaño from public radio station KUT spent some time with families in the tiny town of Martindale to find out what recovery looks like there.
Golf Helps Students Score In School
In San Diego, students of color are gaining valuable lessons while swinging a club – a golf club that is. Golf is an expensive sport not known for attracting a diverse crowd. But a program in San Diego is bringing immigrants, refugees and other low-income children into the game. The goal goes beyond sinking a hole in one. It’s to help them excel in school, and reporter Jean Guererro of KPBS says the kids scores are soaring.