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President Obama is committed to making this the most open and participatory administration in history. That begins with taking your questions and comments, inviting you to join online events with White House officials, and giving you a way to engage with your government on the issues that matter the most.

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Latest News

  • Latino Art Exhibit in the White House

    This year in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the White House visitors to the East Wing will enjoy select artworks from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Collection of Latino Art from September 15, 2012 to October 15, 2012.

    President Obama stated in his National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation that Hispanics “have enriched every aspect of our national identity with traditions that stretch across centuries and reflect the many ancestries that comprise the Hispanic community.” Through the use of different mediums, these featured pieces have enriched the art community by portraying the spirit of Latino neighborhoods and residents. These pieces, “Los Privados,” “El Fireboy y El Mingo,” Joseph Rodriguez’s untitled photograph, “La Rumba Supermarket,” and “Innocent Age” are unique and are prominently featured at the White House and exhibit the Latino culture in America.

    Los Privados, Pedro Cervantez, 1937

    Los Privados, Pedro Cervantez, 1937. Oil on fiberboard. Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. (by Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum)

    Pedro Cervantez’s painting, Los Privados, depicts a humble structure seen within the rural landscape.  Through this visual, Cervantez portrays how immigrant groups transform the look of their adopted home.

    El Fireboy y El Mingo, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, 1988

    El Fireboy y El Mingo, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, 1988. Color lithograph on paper. Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. (by Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum)

    Gilbert “Magu” Lujan was an activist, artist, and one of the pioneers in Chicano art in Los Angeles.  Lujan’s piece, El Fireboy y El Mingo, invites the viewer to see a glimpse of Lujan’s imagination.  This piece depicts Lujan as a cartoon character with fiery hair, and as a dog with humanistic features.  His humor was considered to be his secret ingredient in his works.

    Untitled, Joseph Rodríguez, 1987

    Untitled, Joseph Rodríguez, 1987. Chromogenic photograph. Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. (by Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum)

    Through the use of realism Rodríguez’s photograph extends an arm, and welcomes the viewer into Rodriguez’s perspective of New York overlooking his neighborhood.

    Untitled, Bronx Storefront, "La Rumba Supermarket,” Emilio Sanchez, Late 1980s

    Untitled, Bronx Storefront, "La Rumba Supermarket,” Emilio Sanchez, Late 1980s. Watercolor on paper. Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. (by Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum)

    Sanchez identified with his adopted city of New York that he would often refer to himself as a “New Yorker from Camagüey.” In the 1980s, the artist turned to the urban landscape of Latino neighborhoods where commercial establishments like bodegas, or corner stores, were named after places, people and things from the Caribbean.

    Innocent Age, Kathy Vargas, 2006

    Innocent Age, Kathy Vargas, 2006. Screenprint on paper. Photo Courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

    In the screenprint, Innocent Age, Kathy Vargas manipulates existing photographs to call attention to the rich memories they bear. It is a tribute to the late Texas state senator, Gregory Luna, who championed the education of all children. Luna once said: "Take care of the children of this state. They are the future of Texas."

    Julie Rodriguez is the Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement

  • Hispanic Americans: Serving with Distinction

    Juan M. Garcia shaking hands at the 'Lone Sailor Awards'

    Assistant Secretary of the Navy Juan Garcia addresses forward-deployed Sailors and Marines at a Navy All-Hands Call. (Photo Courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Delano, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs) (by Photo Courtesy By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Delano, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs)

    "Last evening I participated in the 'Lone Sailor Awards', an annual event that recognizes a distinguished American with ties to the U.S. Navy. The evening’s primary honoree was Everett Alvarez, a perfect way to kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month.

    Ev Alvarez's incredible story embodies the core values of Hispanic America: faith, family, patriotism. This product of California's San Joaquin's Valley was a young naval aviator, piloting A-4 Skyhawks from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION in 1964, during the engagement that would come to be known as the Gulf of Tonkin, and recognized as the kick-off to the Vietnam War. When enemy anti-aircraft artillery hit his aircraft, he was forced to eject over Vietnam. Captured, he would go on to spend the next 8 1/2 years in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." Enduring intense physical torture, long periods of solitary confinement, and psychological punishment, Alvarez remains the longest held Prisoner of War in American history.

    Only his faith borne by a Catholic upbringing, his commitment to see his family once again, and a patriotism that steeled him during those brutal torture sessions, allowed him to "Return with Honor." Commander Alvarez would physically rehabilitate, and re-qualify in the aircraft.  After his naval service, Alvarez would go on to serve as the Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, and a senior leader at the Veteran's Administration.

    Today students who attend Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas, California, or use the Post Office named in his honor, and thousands of others inspired by his courage, follow his footsteps, and in the great American tradition, seek to earn a place at the national table through service to the country. They seek to earn a place at that table through their sweat, their work, and in some cases their blood. They use a GI Bill to attend college, a VA Loan to purchase a home, or hang out a shingle and start a small business.  It's America at it's best.

    President Obama's commitment and support for the 9-11 GI Bill, which for the first time builds on this iconic program by making the benefit transferable to a spouse or the children of a veteran, serves to extend that great tradition to the next generation."

    Juan M. Garcia is the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (M&RA)

  • The Untold Story About the U.S.-Mexico Border

    Ed. note: This is cross-posted from the International Trade Administration Blog.

    Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camuñez

    Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance Michael Camuñez delivers remarks during “Realizing the Economic Strength of Our 21st Century Border: Trade, Education, and Jobs” (Photo Tim Trumble)

    Violence. Narco-trafficking. Illegal Immigration. A place of great insecurity. Listen to the national media and these are the images they would have you believe define and characterize the U.S.-Mexico Border. It’s true, Mexico is confronting serious security challenges and is working hard to tackle them, making progress each day in part with the assistance of the United States. But the benefits derived from scale and magnitude of our economic partnership with Mexico—still one of the best performing and fastest growing economies in the G20 and OECD—literally dwarf those challenges. And that’s a story that’s well worth remembering.

    That’s why earlier this week in Tempe, Arizona, I convened and, together with Arizona State University’s Center for Trans-border Studies, co-hosted a bi-national conference focused on the commercial importance of the border region. The conference, entitled “Realizing the Economic Strength of Our 21st Century Border: Trade, Education, and Jobs,” brought together a diverse and distinguished group of leaders from academia, the private and public sector leaders, and members of civil society from throughout the border region. Our goal was two-fold: to identify and share strategies that will promote economic growth and job creation through increased trade; and to raise awareness and build consensus concerning the economic contribution of the border region to the U.S. and Mexican economies. In short, the conference was about changing the narrative about the U.S.-Mexico border by telling the full story about how and why the border region is a key driver of our global competitiveness and shared prosperity. As evidenced in a recent Arizona Republic editorial highlighting the conference, our efforts are already paying off.

    I’ve previously written extensively about how the border region is vital to the U.S.-Mexico commercial relationship, which is one of the most dynamic economic partnerships in the world. In 2011, two way trade in goods and services between the U.S. and Mexico exceeded a staggering half trillion dollars. U.S. exports to Mexico totaled close to $200 billion, exceeding our exports to Brazil, Russia, India and China combined! According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, approximately 6 million U.S. jobs depend on trade with our southern neighbor. Six million jobs!

    And what happens on the border doesn’t solely affect border towns and border states. More than 20 U.S. states count Mexico as their first or second largest export market, and 28 states did more than $1 billion in trade with Mexico in 2011.

    Manufacturers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and throughout America depend on integrated U.S.-Mexico supply chains to bring components, supplies and finished goods back and forth across the border every day, sustaining millions of jobs in factories around the country. And this doesn’t even get to the nearly 13.5 million Mexican tourists who traveled to the U.S. in 2011 and spent $9.2 billion supporting the U.S. economy.

    Given the importance of this powerful relationship, the Obama Administration launched the Border Export Strategy to highlight the significance of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship and, more specifically, the vibrant, diverse, and talented communities that make up the border region. This week’s conference, which was attended by more than 250 leaders from both countries, is a key element of that strategy, which in turn supports the President’s National Export Initiative, the aim of which is to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014.

    The conference also advanced the 2010 joint declaration by Presidents Obama and Calderon on 21st Century Border Management, which is designed to enhance economic competitiveness while augmenting our nation’s security and public safety by supporting a bilateral border master plan process for infrastructure projects in order to increase capacity; expand trusted traveler and shipper programs; and explore opportunities for pre-clearance, pre-inspection, and pre-screening processes for commercial goods and travelers.

    The conference agenda was packed with substantive discussions and industry-focused breakout panels; it also included important fora where U.S. and Mexican border mayors, members of congress, governors and industry leaders came together to talk about how the border economy is driving growth throughout the region. As co-host, I delivered a keynote address and helped facilitate a discussion concerning the Obama Administration’s 21st Century Border Management Initiative with counterparts from Mexico, Customs and Border Patrol, and the State Department. We also had a chance to hear from representatives of Mexican President-Elect Peña-Nieto, who shared the incoming administration’s vision for the region.

    My primary message at the conference was to convey that President Obama and his administration understand the value of border trade and the contributions that border communities make each and every day to our national wellbeing. I also emphasized that the United States and Mexico, together with Canada to the north, comprise one of the most competitive regional platforms in the world. With our open borders, low tariffs, strong protections for intellectual property, low energy costs, integrated supply chains, and, most importantly, our skilled work force, our nations are working cooperatively to bring jobs back from remote shores, which is one reason why, for the first time in a decade, U.S. manufacturing job growth is again on the rise. The border truly is a source of strength for both countries, and it is a region that merits investment, support and serious attention from Washington. I’m proud that the Obama Administration is telling that story.

    Michael Camuñez is the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance

  • Honoring Latino Olympians and Paralympians at the White House

    Honoring Latino Olympians and Paralympians at the White House

    President Barack Obama, with Vice President Joe Biden and First Lady Michelle Obama, delivers remarks to the 2012 United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams on the South Lawn of the White House, Sept. 14, 2012. September 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo)

    On Friday, Team USA was recognized by the White House for their participation and success in this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. Nearly 30 of these Olympians and Paralympians were of Latino decent. Of the 30 Latino Olympians, 15 were able to attend the special celebration with the President, First Lady, and Vice President. As part of Hispanic Heritage month, we’d like to highlight the 15 Latino Olympic and Paralympic athletes that attended the President’s and First Lady’s remarks at the White House South Lawn, and acknowledge their contributions to the London 2012 Games.

    The Latino Olympians in attendance included: Marlen Esparza- Women’s Boxing (Bronze Medalist); Giuseppe Lanzone- Rowing; Ryan Lochte- Swimming (Gold Medalist); Steven Lopez- Taekwondo; Diana Lopez- Taekwondo; Leo Manzano- Track and Field; Sarah Robles- Weightlifting; Maggie Steffens- Water Polo (Gold Medalist); Jessica Steffens- Water Polo (Gold Medalist); and Brenda Villa- Water Polo (Gold Medalist).

    The Latino Paralympians in attendance included: Christella Garcia-Judo; Rudy Garcia-Tolson-Swimming; Gerard Moreno- Fencing; Mario Rodríguez- Fencing; and Oz Sánchez- Cycling.

    In his remarks the President noted, “One of the great things about watching our Olympics is we are a portrait of what this country is all about -- people from every walk of life, every background, every race, every faith. It sends a message to the world about what makes America special. It speaks to the character of this group, how you guys carried yourselves. And it’s even more impressive when you think about the obstacles that many of you have had to overcome not just to succeed at the games, but to get there in the first place…That’s what sets all of you apart.  That’s what sets America apart.  We celebrate individual effort, but we also know that, together, we can do incredible things that we couldn’t accomplish on our own.”

    Their determination, dedication, sportsmanship, and hard work were displayed at the London 2012 Games. Their contributions to Team USA have made the country and the Latino community proud.

    İFelicidades!

    Julie Rodriguez is the Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement.

  • United Nations General Assembly Update

    As we head into the most solemn day of the Jewish Calendar, I wanted to call your attention to the President's speech this morning to the United Nations General Assembly. The speech covered several topics, including freedom of speech and human rights.  Of particular note, is the language the President used to again repudiate the idea of a nuclear armed Iran.  An excerpt of that section of the speech is below:

    “America wants to resolve this issue through diplomacy, and we believe that there is still time and space to do so.  But that time is not unlimited.  We respect the right of nations to access peaceful nuclear power, but one of the purposes of the United Nations is to see that we harness that power for peace.  And make no mistake, a nuclear-armed Iran is not a challenge that can be contained.  It would threaten the elimination of Israel, the security of Gulf nations, and the stability of the global economy.  It risks triggering a nuclear-arms race in the region, and the unraveling of the non-proliferation treaty.  That’s why a coalition of countries is holding the Iranian government accountable.  And that’s why the United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”

    To read the President's full remarks, click here.

    Wishing you and your families a meaningful fast. May you all be inscribed in the book of life. L'Shana Tova.

    Jarrod Bernstein is the Director of Jewish Outreach in the Office of Public Engagement

  • Innovation through Service: Lead Growth in Your Communities, for Our Future

    Civil engineering didn’t really prepare me to expect the unconventional circumstances that I found myself in while working on a water sanitation project in a village in Honduras. Without the necessary vehicles or equipment to build the system, individuals come together to come up with innovative ways to transfer materials, such as by using a donkey, and help me build a sustainable water system for their community. Peace Corps gave me the opportunity to be innovative and share in this special moment towards building a stronger infrastructure for this village.

    Americorps

    Loading up survey equipment and heading out to a rural Honduran village. (Photo by Jon Carson)

    Thousands of Americans volunteer millions of hours working to advance the lives and infrastructures of communities across the U.S., and strengthen the foundation upon which our country and future generations can continue to grow.  Civic participation empowers individuals to use their volunteer experiences, domestically and abroad, to become influential leaders within their communities.  Every day individuals are taking on some of the most pressing challenges that our nation faces and coming up with real solutions, whether it is to rebuild after natural disasters, fight poverty, support our veterans and military families, or strengthen our education system.

    The AmeriCorps program serves communities by building long-term support systems. It also continues to serve its members by creating jobs and providing pathways for younger members to enter the workforce.  It also recruits our nation’s heroes through its partnership with Joining Forces. At the beginning of the Administration, President Obama signed an act to link national service to innovation, establishing the Social Innovation Fund and expanding AmeriCorps to become our nation’s most expansive service program. Social innovation elevates community solutions to create jobs, drive economic recovery and revitalize communities.

    AmeriCorps members visiting the White House shared their stories of service and innovation during a Google+ Hangout with AmeriCorps Alumni. Its members, young and old, expressed a common passion and purpose that drives them, which is to lead change in their communities. One member shared her experience with JumpStart, a member of the AmeriCorps network, which prepares children for kindergarten and keeps college students in school through the federal work study program. As a father of two, I am especially thankful for their work in strengthening our education system for our children.

    The White House recently recognized the service of our Red Cross Champions of Change. Their work to build resilient communities at home and abroad has empowered individuals to save lives, take action, foster essential organizational relationships and create widespread community networks.

    Just last week, we welcomed over 150 Kiwanis International members to reinforce the President’s commitment to service and the role service members play in strengthening communities across the country. Kiwanis International organizes over 150,000 service projects!  Maryland high school senior and Champion of Change, Josie Grant, was recognized for coordinating the donation of $26,000 worth of items to hospitals through her own Josie’s Smiles for Pediatrics Foundation. As a first-generation college student at the University of Texas- Brownsville, Sanjuana Zavala sets aside $50 from every paycheck and $200 from every scholarship—to support The Eliminate Project, a partnership between Kiwanis International and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. It’s incredible how we inspire our youth, and our youth inspires us to find innovative ways to serve our fellow Americans and those in need.

    Every hour of service and the generous spirit of every volunteer draw communities closer together and build the civic and economic foundation of our Nation. There are countless opportunities to serve your community, whether it is by volunteering at your local soup kitchen or rebuilding a school! Find ways to join service projects near you by visiting www.Serve.gov.

    Jon Carson is a Deputy Assistant to the President and the Director of the Office of Public Engagement. 

  • New American Olympians Inspire U.S. to Remain the Land of Opportunity

    Recently, the President and First Lady honored the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams at the White House.  President Obama remarked at the event, “one of the great things about watching our Olympics is we are a portrait of what this country is all about – people from every walk of life, every background, every race, and every faith.  It sends a message to the world about what makes America special.” 

    Among those who competed with Team USA in the London 2012 Olympic Games were more than 35 foreign-born Americans according the U.S. Olympic Committee. All are proud reminders of America’s rich tradition as a country that welcomes immigrants and remains the land of opportunity. When new Americans succeed, we are all better off. It is through hard work and a commitment to excellence that these Americans with immigrant and refugee roots made it to the highest levels of athletic competition. We salute all of Team USA members. Below are two examples of the athletic accomplishments of two of America’s immigrant athletes on Team USA. 

    Lopez Lomong came to the United States as a refugee at the age of sixteen, at a time when his home country of Sudan was in turmoil and civil war. In 2007, Lopez became a naturalized citizen and a year later, he led America’s athletes into the Olympic stadium in Beijing. At the London 2012 Olympics, Lopez competed once again in the 5,000-meter event and finished in 10th place. Of his role on Team USA, Lopez says, “This is my gift, to give back to this country that has given me a second chance… I love the United States.” 

    Standing at a height of 6-feet-2, Foluke Akinradewo is a formidable volleyball player. Foluke was born in Canada and grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her talents go beyond the volleyball court. In high school, she was an all-state in basketball and track. She attended Stanford University where she majored in human biology, and was a PAC-10 volleyball player in 2007 and 2008. At the 2008 Beijing Olympic games, Foluke was an alternate to Team USA and in London 2012, she was a huge factor in the United States winning a Silver Medal in volleyball.

    The hard work of these American athletes illustrates that our country fundamentally remains a land that welcomes those seeking opportunity and willing to work hard. They are helping to make the United States a more perfect union. 

    Immigrant contributions to our country are not limited to athletics. Immigrants are contributing and helping to grow our economy. They are our doctors, our engineers, our lawyers and school teachers. The future of the United States hinges on the manner in which we protect this truly American spirit of openness and welcome to the world.

    Felicia Escobar is the Senior Policy Director for Immigration, White House Domestic Policy Council.

  • Celebrating Citizenship Day by Welcoming New Americans

    Secretary Solis Citizenship

    Department of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis gave the keynote speech at the Naturalization Ceremony at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA. Four hundred candidates were sworn in as new citizens. Kimberly Zanotti, USCIS Washington Field Office, Claudia Young, Section Chief from the washington Field Office and Arturo Aguilar-Gonzalez, Private First Class of the US Marine Corps were also participants of the ceremony. September 15, 2012. Arlington, VA. (Official Department of Labor photo)

    Last Saturday, I delivered the keynote address at a naturalization ceremony held at Kenmore Middle School in Virginia. More than 400 immigrants from 76 countries became American citizens.

    It was such an honor to share in that special moment, just two days before the beginning of Constitution Week.

    Each year we recognize September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, to commemorate the signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787. And to reflect on what it means to be a citizen of the United States of America.

    Citizenship Day has a long history. In 1940 Congress passed a resolution requesting the President to issue a proclamation each year for the public recognition of all who had attained the status of American citizenship. At the time, this day was known as "I Am an American Day."

    Each person who swore their oath of citizenship on Saturday has a different story and will bring different contributions to our democracy.

    But all of them came here to pursue the same thing: a better life for themselves and their children.

    My parents charted a similar course. They met, and fell in love, in an American citizenship class. I owe the naturalization process so very much. It created my family.

    My mother immigrated to this country from Nicaragua. My father grew up in Mexico. He worked as a farm worker, a railroad worker and a factory worker to give his family opportunities he never had. They raised seven children.

    We grew up in a working-class neighborhood outside of Los Angeles in the shadows of polluted landfills and toxic dumps. My parents and my friends' parents went to work in conditions that were dirty and often unsafe.

    Our family could not afford much, but we always had each other. And like many immigrant families, my parents made many sacrifices so we could achieve whatever our talents would allow.

    Mom and dad raised me to believe in the American dream. They raised me to believe that if you worked hard and gave something back, you could do anything.

    President Obama believes this, too. That's why he is working to build an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, does their fair share and plays by the same set of rules.  As the 25th U.S. Secretary of Labor-the first Latina to ever hold the position-it is my honor to serve in his administration.

    My hero, President John F. Kennedy, once famously said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." 

    I made sure to remind our fellow citizens of those simple yet profound words on Saturday. And that citizenship in this country is not just a collection of rights but also a set of responsibilities.

    I am confident that, by being active in their communities and by working together with their neighbors, they too will add to the strength of our economy and of our nation as a whole.

    To read the President’s Proclamation in honor of Citizenship and Constitution Day 2012 click here.

    Hilda Solis is the Secretary of the Department of Labor