The Wire

Los Angeles has elected its first Hispanic mayor – Antonio Villaraigosa – in over one hundred years. Villaraigosa’s election is not suprising considering Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the United States. And according to last year’s Census Bureau report, their numbers are expected to match Caucasian Americans by 2050. But what is surprising, the new mayors election comes at a time when the issue of immigration – particularly from Mexico – is once again at the forefront and dividing public opinion. George Bush’s second term has focused heavily on tightening controls on the US-Mexico border and on the provision of personal documentation to access basic services, which can prove difficult for illegal immigrants. Veronica Bernal, is the Communications Director for the LA based Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. She spoke to Paulina Vidal and outlined the factors behing Villaraigosa’s success.