President Obama: Not a Kardashian Fan

Even though Kim Kardashian has well over 10 million followers on Twitter, she can't call the President of the United States one of them. Tragic as it may seem, Barack Obama doesn't like keeping up with the socialite and her family.

Speaking at a roundtable interview with ivillage.com, Michelle Obama explained how she and her husband have different views when it comes to what their children can watch on television. While the First Lady didn't open up about what shows she and the President enjoy while their alone, she did admit the Commander in Chief hasn't taken a liking to reality TV's most talked about family.

"Barack really thinks some of the Kardashians -- when they watch that stuff -- he doesn't like that as much," she said. Despite Kim K's extremely active Twitter account, the socialite hasn't commented on the First Lady's words. But with her 31st birthday merely two days away, we imagine the brunette star has been busy prepping for her upcoming celebration in Vegas -- which if you're willing to shell out a few thousand bucks on eBay, you could end up going to!

Source: Adwenger

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Posted in barack kim kardashian , hollywood socialite family , kardashian , Kim Kardashian , President Obama , socialite , the kardashians

President Obama on the Latino Education Crisis, the Dream Act & What He Loves About Hispanic Culture

In an unprecedented conversation, the American president talks to Latina about everything from whether there is a Latino education crisis to what it will take to get the Dream Act passed—and even shares what he loves about our culture (mole, anyone?).

On the state of education for Latinos: “I think there is no doubt that there is a long-running education crisis in the Latino community.  We only have about 50 percent of Latino kids who are graduating from high school on time, and about 13 percent who are attending college.  One of the things that we will continue to push is education reform that targets specifically those schools with children that aren’t performing as well as they need to – and a sizable percentage of those schools are Latino schools.”

On why his administration continues to deport Dream Act-eligible students: “Well, the truth of the matter is that we have exercised as much administrative discretion as we can...With respect to Dream Act kids, I’m a huge supporter of getting that law changed because these kids are extraordinarily talented and want to contribute to helping to build America.  We are going to keep pushing to get the Dream Act passed.  We want to send the message that we have to enforce the law, and there are limits to what I can do with respect to circumventing the laws that Congress has passed.”

On his favorite Latino foods: “I have to say, I’m probably biased towards a really good mole. [And] we have some folks in the White House kitchen that can whip up some pretty good tamales for Michelle. That may be her favorite food, generally!  You put a tamale in front of her and she shows no restraint.”

On his favorite Latino music: “Whether it’s Gloria Estefan, Juanes, Shakira or Los Lobos, I have all kinds of stuff on my iPod.”

On his secrets for making marriage work: “Our marriage has been wonderful because Michelle is a strong partner.  We respect each other, we listen to each other, we co-parent and we compromise.  She has always been firm about family first.  So that’s provided me a base and a ground that is hugely important.”

Source Galina Espinoza |

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Posted in 2011 Dream Act , 2011 immigration , dream act campaign 2011 , hispanic culture , Latin America , latino , President Obama

Obama Kicks Off Big Festivities For Hispanic Heritage Month

In case you haven't noticed, President Barack Obama has put a much stronger emphasis on acknowledging Hispanics these days. Is it because he feels more drawn to the Latino struggle? Or is it because he wants some votes in the next election? That remains to be seen. But what is worth noting is the White House's big plans for Hispanic Heritage Month.

The President and First Lady kicked off HHM with an appearance at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Awards. Better known as the CHCI's, the gala brought out Tr3s faves like Luis Enrique and even Prince Royce (who sang the national anthem). Notable honorees of the night included civil rights leader Orson Aguilar and Chris Weitz, who directed the critically-acclaimed A Better Life.

At the reception, Obama made a impassioned speech to the 3,000 CHCI guests, emphasizing job creation and the national DREAM Act. The DREAM, if passed, would give undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship via college or the military.

    "I will do everything in my power to make the DREAM Act a reality," Obama said. "The truth is reforming our immigration system is central to repairing our economy."

And, per a recent White House press release, the HHM acknowledgements do not end there. Prominent Latino members of the Obama administration will be writing posts on the White House blog and video interviews with community leaders will be available on the President's website.

Additionally, FEMA will conduct a "Hispanic Heritage Month Preparedness Summit" on Thursday, followed by a special message from First Lady Michelle Obama at the evening's HHM Awards. Later in the month, the Oval Office will hold a special screening of the documentary Citizen USA, which profiles modern-day immigrant issues in America.

When summing up Hispanic Heritage Month, the White House website made a point to include a snippet of Obama's famous interview with Jorge Ramos where he said,

    "Hispanics constitute the country's largest and fastest growing minority group. They have had a profound and positive impact on our country through, among other things, their community's strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. Our country was built on and continues to thrive on its diversity, and there is no doubt that the future of the United States is inextricably linked to the future of the Hispanic community."

Source Michael Lopez

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Posted in 2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Preparedness Summit , First Lady Michelle Obama , Hispanic Heritage Month , Hispanic Heritage Month Preparedness Summit , Politics , President Obama , prince royce

Government Announces Undocumented Immigrants Without Criminal Records Can Stay in the U.S.

President Obama has been facing some serious heat lately over his handling (or lack thereof) of the immigration issue since taking office. Back in 2008, he promised the Latino community that immigration reform would be a priority during his first term, but unfortunately has not been able to get congress to meet in the middle over the controversial reform legislation. Since then, the Obama administration has deported more than one million immigrants.

But President Obama seems to have changed his approach. Senior White House officials announced today that illegal immigrants who are facing possible deportation but do not have criminal backgrounds will get to stay in the U.S. indefinitely and have a chance to apply for a work permit.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says authorities will be taking a closer look at the of hundreds of thousands of immigrants facing possible deportation and start a case-by-case review in order to truly make deporting criminals the priority of the ICE.

The news comes on the heels of national protests against the Secure Communities program, which many immigration advocates say has lead to the deportation of students and broken up families of immigrants who have not committed any criminal offenses.

Source  Mariela Rosario

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Posted in barack obama , Latino community , President Obama , top 2011 latino undocumented immigrants , US Undocumented Immigrants

Immigrant Families Protest Obama Administration's Deportations

Destroying families is un-American,” said Chicago community leader Artemio Arreola.

With nearly 400,000 deportations per year, and more than one million families separated, President Obama’s administration is facing heat from the immigrant Latino community. The national Change Takes Courage campaign, launched on June 30 and sponsored by the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, is combating the President’s resistance to stop deportations.

“The President should keep his promise to the Latino community,” Arreola said.

This administration is accountable for the highest rate of deportations in United States history. Though the President has said that he will target deportations toward violent criminals, his policy seems to be doing otherwise, breaking apart non-criminal working families. Despite the President’s support of the DREAM Act, many undocumented students and youth have been deported.

Campaigning for the 2012 election will soon begin in earnest and it seems that the President may suffer with Latino voters if he doesn't address deportations immediately.

“We have given President Obama a deadline of August 15 to make good on his promise and deliver. We’re working hard on voters registration and citizenship, and locking up our votes," said Miriam Perez, La Fuerza Juventud leader. "Obama has the key to the lock box of votes, and if he wants to win, he needs to use his discretion and stop the deportations.”

Source Adriana Rivera

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Posted in Artemio Arreola , Immigrant Latino , Latino community , Latino immigrants , President Obama

President Obama on Puerto Ricans: "People On This Island Don't Quit"

President Obama spoke to the people of Puerto Rico today, becoming the first sitting president in 50 years to visit the island nation (President John F. Kennedy was the last). Back in 2008, when he was the Democratic candidate for the highest office in the U.S., Obama made a promise to the residents of Puerto Rico that he would return as President, and today he kept his word.

Obama Promises to Address Status of Puerto Rico

"When I ran for President, I promised to include Puerto Rico not just on my itinerary, but also in my vision of where our country needs to go. And I am proud to say that we've kept that promise," he said.

President Obama made reference to the commission he assembled to address the issue of the future status of the current commonwealth. "In March, a report from our presidential task force on Puerto Rican status provided a meaningful way forward on this question so that the residents of the island can determine their own future," stated the Commander in chief. "And when the people of Puerto Rico make a clear decision, my administration will stand by you."

Puerto Rico Left Out of Healthcare Reform?

The President made an attempt to address the crushing unemployment, decaying educational system and economic uncertainty facing most Puerto Ricans who live on the island, saying he plans to include the commonwealth in the health insurance and economic policies that he will be passing over the next few years. "We’re not where we need to be. But in these challenging times, people on this island don’t quit," said the President to rousing applause.

He also took time out to acknowledge the many Boricuas who have contribute to the arts, culture and armed forces, saying, "Every day, Boricuas help write the American story."

Many have criticized the President for making what seemed to be a trip motivated by politics and felt that the visit was organized to pander to the Latino vote in the United States instead of to address the myriad problems Puerto Rico is struggling with.

But press secretary Jay Carney shot down those allegations, saying, "The president is making the first official visit since 1961 of a United States President to the island. He thinks the issue of resolving its status is very important, of dealing with the economic hardships on the island are very important, and he’s very excited about being here."

Source Mariela Rosario

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Posted in barack obama , Boricuas , President Obama , President Obama 2011 , Puert Rico , Puerto Rican , USA president