What does a 'secure' border look like? There is no simple yardstick to measure border security. And yet, as the debate over immigration reform ramps back up, many will try. "Secure the border first" has become not just a popular mantra whenever talk turns to reform but a litmus test for many upon which a broader overhaul is contingent.February 24, 2013
Report: Bill would set an 8-year path to residency The White House is circulating a draft immigration bill that would create a new visa for illegal immigrants living in the United States and allow them to become legal permanent residents within eight years, according to a report published online Saturday by USA Today.February 17, 2013
Immigration bill splits GOP on national-local line The immigration debate is threatening to split the Republican Party, pitting those who focus mainly on presidential elections against those who care mostly about congressional races.February 2, 2013
Lawmakers see immigration overhaul this year A bipartisan group of leading senators has reached agreement on the principles for a sweeping overhaul of the nation's immigration laws, including a path to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants already in this country.January 28, 2013
From jump suit to dress shirt: Minn. immigrant detainee wins reprieve Minnesota's David Soto is one of more than 350,000 young people in the country illegally who've won a temporary reprieve from deportation because they came over as children, are educated and have clean records.January 14, 2013
English language programs trace roots to mid-1970s Though immigration has been a prominent feature of U.S. growth since the nation's founding, the modern age of English language learning programs traces back to only the mid-1970s.December 17, 2012
In Minnesota, the world in the classroom The challenge of learning English can have many dimensions for the thousands of Minnesota students identified as English language learners. For some, it is a matter of survival in a new country. For all, it takes resolve, resilience and time.December 17, 2012
In Minn., new tactics to help immigrant students To boost English learners' performance, some Minnesota schools are trying new approaches designed to help them more quickly grasp the language. Among them is Kennedy Elementary in Willmar, Minn., which has a growing number of students from Somalia.December 17, 2012
Ranks of English learners swelling in Minnesota schools Nearly 65,000 English learner students are enrolled in Minnesota schools, representing more than 200 languages. That number has grown rapidly in the past two decades, soaring by 50,000, a 300 percent increase in English learners.December 17, 2012
Worthington bakery builds community Kerry and Juan Cuate opened a Mexican bakery, Panaderia Mi Tierra, in downtown Worthington, Minn. The bakery now caters to the larger community, bringing the diverse population together.December 14, 2012
Young immigrant's journey leads to permission to stay St. James resident Irma Marquez this month became one of the earliest Latinos in the nation to received deferred status allowing her legally to stay in the United States for two years and to find work. Acceptance marked a milestone in a long journey, one that still leaves her with challenges.December 12, 2012
Northfield program shrinks Latino achievement gap High school senior Jhosi Martinez is making college plans, something that 10 years ago wouldn't have been likely in her hometown of Northfield, Minn.December 12, 2012
"Se está logrando, pero todavía estamos en pañales." La venezolana Windy Roberts usa el idioma para acercar a dos culturas en el pueblo universitario de Morris al oeste de Minnesota en el que una operacióón de una enorme empresa lechera atrae a veterinarios especializados de México.December 12, 2012
Professor builds Latino - white bridge in Morris, Minn. Venezuelan native Windy Roberts uses language to bring two cultures together in the western Minnesota university town of Morris, where a large dairy operation draws skilled veterinarians from Mexico.December 12, 2012