Leslie Berestein Rojas Immigration and Emerging Communities Reporter
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Leslie Berestein Rojas is KPCC's Immigration and Emerging Communities Reporter.
An award-winning journalist with several years’ experience reporting on immigration issues, Berestein Rojas most recently covered immigration on the U.S.-Mexico border for the San Diego Union-Tribune. She has retraced the steps of migrants along desert smuggling trails, investigated immigrant detention contractors, and told the stories of families left behind in Mexico’s migrant-sending towns.
A native of Cuba raised in Los Angeles, Leslie has also written for Time, People, the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times. She has reported from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Stories by Leslie Berestein Rojas
Immigration reform bill moves on without controversial changes
One amendment would have extended immigration rights to same-sex couples; another would have preserved two categories of immigrant visas.
In immigration news: Senate reform bill moves forward, LGBT amendment left out, next LA mayor's mixed heritage, more
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a massive comprehensive immigration reform bill Tuesday, but some groups' reform hopes weren't realized. This and more.
Senate committee approves immigration reform bill (Updated)
After debating amendments on provisions ranging from border security to high-skilled worker visas, the Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a comprehensive immigration bill by a 13-5 vote.
In immigration news: Fifth day of debate for Senate bill, a deal on high-skilled workers, detention system amendments, more
Negotiations over amendments to the Senate immigration reform bill are in their fifth day, with more debate to come. This and more.
Senate committee considers changes to immigrant detention
Amendments to the Senate immigration bill approved Monday would limit solitary confinement of immigrant detainees and seek to protect detainees' children.
In immigration news: Fingerprinting at airports, reform bill faces more union opposition, immigrants and health, more
Another union, this one representing U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services employees,
The status of immigration on Capitol Hill
With a Senate committee still wrangling over amendments and a tentative House deal announced, it's a good time to assess the immigration debate.
In immigration news: House group strikes reform deal 'in principle,' revived Trust Act moves forward in CA, no driver's licenses in AZ, more
After much stalling, a bipartisan House group says it's reached a tentative deal on comprehensive immigration reform, with a bill expected in June. This and more.
Sainthood for slain Archbishop Oscar Romero?
Local Salvadoran-Americans and clergy gathered to discuss their hopes for Romero's canonization, now that Pope Francis has cleared the way.
Revived 'Trust Act' immigration bill again clears Assembly
The bill aims to limit participation in a federal program that requires local law enforcement to share the fingerprints of detainees with immigration officials.
In immigration news: High-skilled worker visa debate, immigrants to drive future population growth, migrant deaths, more
The Senate Judiciary Committee continues debating non-immigrant visas, including reforms to the H-1B skilled worker visa program sought by the tech industry. This and more.
Census: Immigration to drive US population growth by mid-century
It's projected that even if net migration remains constant, non-Latino whites would lose their majority status by 2046, and as early as 2041 if migration increases.
A call to suspend deportations while Congress debates reform
Immigrant advocates and Latino and labor groups want the White House to suspend deportations of people who might qualify for legalization under the Senate bill.
In immigration news: A Boston bombing-inspired Senate bill amendment, House GOP members say no, diversity visas, more
An amendment to the Senate immigration bill approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee would tighten student visa rules and monitoring in the wake of last month's Boston Marathon bombings. This and more.
The uncertain fate of the lottery for diversity visas
The program was created in 1990 to diversify the nation's mix of immigrants, but it's been subject to scams. The Senate reform bill calls for its elimination.
