A survey just released by the Inter-American Development Bank found that the percentage of immigrants who report sending remittances to their country of origin has dropped to half in early 2008 compared with 73% two years ago, even though migrants continue to flock to the U.S.

In addition, the Central Bank of Mexico reported that remittances from the U.S. dropped 2.9% for the first three months of the year compared with the first quarter of 2007.

The findings by the Inter-American Development Bank marked the first decline in the number of immigrants sending money home since the institution began tracking them eight years ago.

A new national survey of Latino immigrants suggests that recently adopted state and local laws aimed at making life more difficult for illegal immigrants have slowed the growth in the flow of money sent to relatives in Mexico.

Experts who follow the money transfers, also known as familial remittances, have been confounded over why growth in the totals has leveled off in the first half of the year despite continued growth in the Mexican immigrant population.

Noted as one of the worst natural disasters to hit Peru within the last 100 years, the earthquake that hit Wednesday night left 2,000 injured and over 500 fatalities. With a magnitude of approx. 8.0, this massive earthquake was centered in the ocean about 90 miles south of the country’s capital and was followed by nine aftershocks

In the midst of crumbled buildings and piles of debris, victims of the quake struggle to cope with the loss of homes and family members. As the health needs of victims continue to be a growing concern, the Peruvian government released clearance for Direct Relief’s humanitarian aid. In response to the disaster, Direct Relief International has been providing victims with medical and personal care.

This detailed work analyzes the progress obtained in diminishing poverty and inequality in Mexico during the post-NAFTA years ranging from 1994 to 2007 and how it pertains to the broad critical debate surrounding poverty-gap reduction in the context of regional and international economic integration and trade liberalization.

Cabarete, Dominican Republic (April 10, 2007) – Members of the Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA) are traveling to Costa Norte, Cabarete in the Dominican Republic from April 12-15, 2007 to spearhead a humanitarian mission that will not only enhance local school facilities but also technology into the local residents’ every day lives.

One of our readers sent us this email:

"While investigating how to change the default language of Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows Vista, it became quickly apparent that Hispanics pay more. Six calls to various Microsoft support personnel confirmed that it is impossible for any version of Vista, except Business and Ultimate, to toggle the interface from English to Spanish. Business and Ultimate are the more expensive versions of Vista. While not Hispanic, it struck me as unreasonable and something that needed correction."

New research findings released on October 18, 2006 by the Inter-American Development Bank estimate that 12.6 million immigrants are sending money home on a regular basis. Around $45 billion in remittances will be transferred this year from the United States to Latin America. Even though this represents a $15 billion increase from the 2004 figures and it constitutes a tremendous source of income for Latin American countries,

MEXICO CITY, July 6 — An official tally of votes today showed that the conservative candidate, Felipe Calderón, had won a narrow victory in Mexico's presidential election. But his leftist opponent said he would demand a recount in court, and called for his supporters to demonstrate on Saturday.

Lopez Obrador immediately denounced irregularities in the vote count and said he would launch a "peaceful and legal" effort to overturn Calderon's victory before Mexico's Federal Electoral Tribunal — and in the court of public opinion.

His decision not to concede defeat was a sign that Mexico is still far from having a new president. It also meant that the next move belongs to a special tribunal set up to handle electoral disputes, a court that has never before been ask to make such a momentous ruling.

MEXICO CITY, July 2 — Both leading candidates claim victory, but officials say they won't sort things out until Wednesday.

Election officials declared Sunday that they could not immediately determine a winner in the tightest presidential race in the country's history. Minutes later, the two front runners each declared victory, setting in motion an electoral crisis.