The punishments my father, brother and sister experienced--arrest, incarceration and HIV/AIDS--for misusing a controlled substance caused a lifetime of grief for my family.
Phillip Smith, Drug War Chronicle. March 31, 2012.
The United States have spent billions on coca plant busts; if passed, the bill would eliminate the threat of prison for illicit crop production in Colombia.
The illegal practice of stop-and-frisk hasn't stopped since Commissioner Kelly issued his memo; there is a deep disconnect between the top brass and what happens on the street.
Valeria Fernández, New America Media. March 23, 2012.
Undocumented immigrant women must travel to Mexico, where no prescription is required, or buy them from the underground market in Phoenix, without seeing a doctor first.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of federal marijuana prohibition in the United States. It only took 13 years for Americans to realize the futility of alcohol prohibition.
Valeria Fernandez, New America Media. September 29, 2011.
Allegations range from Border Patrol agents denying food and water to adults and children in detention for several days, to purposely separating families during deportation.
AB 131 vastly expanded undocumented students' access to in-state college and university funds, but restrictionists are quick to inaccurately call it expensive.
Valeria Fernandez, New American Media. September 14, 2011.
A Hispanic advocacy group decided to call off the boycott initiated in response to brutal anti-immigrant legislation, but grassroots organizations were determined to stay put.
The criminal justice system is overwhelmed, our prisons are crowded with immigrants, and the flagging "war on drugs" has been given new life at home and abroad.
