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image via Bashira Webb for MTV Tr3s

“¡Obama, escucha, estamos en la lucha!” At the Cinco de Mayo party in the White House, President Obama attempted to demonstrate that he has been paying attention to recent protests, addressing concerns that his focus on immigration has waned.

According to NPR, Obama stated that he wants a comprehensive immigration bill that not only bolsters border security but also provides a path to legalization for the approximately 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.

Calling the needed changes "tough," the President clarified his stance. "I know there's been some commentary over the last week since I talked about this difficult issue," Obama said Wednesday. "Of course it's going to be tough; that's the truth. Anybody who tells you it's going to be easy or says I can wave a magic wand and make it happen hasn't been paying attention to how this town works."

Notably, Obama didn't use Cinco De Mayo to provide an update on the DREAM Act, a bill that — if passed — would provide qualifying undocumented youth with a 6 year long conditional path to citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service.

(See photos from recent immigration protests in our May Day March gallery!)

The President has yet to respond to the Trail of Dreams activists who have been waiting to meet with him in D.C., resulting in student walkouts across the nation and a flurry of activity under the #todream Twitter hashtag.

Last week, when Obama told reporters there might not be an appetite on Capitol Hill for immigration reform, many in the Latino community thought he was backing away from the issue. "I want to begin work this year, and I want Democrats and Republicans to work with me," he said.

Obama will have another opportunity to talk about the issue on May 19, when Mexico's leader arrives in Washington for an official state visit.

Tr3s Comunidad, what do you think about President Obama's process to address immigration reform? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Immigration, President Obama, SB 1070, the DREAM Act

Are you ready for the ultimate celebrity soccer tournament? If you weren't following our live-tweets from "Rock N Gol," here's your chance to catch up on all the chisme from the field! We saw Christian Chávez & Poncho Herrera being bromantic, team surprises and more!

Michelle Rodriguez is one of several fierce Latinas who will show their stuff at "Rock N Gol" — we can't wait to catch her as the meat cleaver-wielding taco slinger named Luz in Robert Rodriguez's latest film, "Machete" (the trailer is causing a stir, calling out Arizona's new law, SB 1070).

On the field, she told us that Rodriguez's film "should be fun" and that "we got a kick-ass cast — Robert Rodriguez is always known for doing cool stuff like 'Sin City' and 'Desperado' — I could sit here naming all the stuff I love of his!"

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"Machete" will hit theaters Labor Day weekend! Michelle also threw in some exciting details about another project, "Battle: Los Angeles":

"It's [a film] about a bunch of aliens invading Southern California. You should peep that in February of 2011. I'm interested to see how that comes out — [it has] a really cool, talented director named Jonathan Lieberman, he's a new guy from South Africa. He's pretty cool, really talented."

We can't give all our secrets away before the epic game, but Michelle Rodriguez might just be the funniest, most kick-ass chica on the planet. She's got a mean soccer steeze, despite a recent injury. We saw her expertly dribbling a soccer ball to Marcelo Balboa!

(For live-action shots of Michelle and the rest, visit our 'Rock N Gol' Twitpic Gallery!)

If you're wondering what Michelle's strategy will be on the field, we can't spoil the surprise — but here are the rules for "Rock N Gol":

The game, which will be comprised of five unique 4x4 tournaments, will have tus artistas y futbolistas favoritos squaring off against each other in the ultimate ball-kicking, smack-talking, gol-scoring celebrity face-off que te puedes imaginar! You can bet this won't be your ordinary partido de fútbol!

For more behind-the-scenes clips, check out our Rock N Gol video playlist.

We'll be rolling out behind-the-scenes video, photos, entrevistas y más leading up to the big premiere on June 3rd at 9pm EST, so make sure you keep it locked to Blogamole and MTVTr3s.com!

Tags Battle: Los Angeles, Machete, Michelle Rodriguez, Rock N Gol

Now that Arizona is a hotbed of controversy because of SB 1070, the Suns have stepped up to embrace a community under attack. Yahoo! Sports reports that the team will be wearing its "Los Suns" jerseys for tonight's (May 5) Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs (9:00 PM EDT on TNT) "to honor [the] Latino community and the diversity of our league, the state of Arizona, and our nation."

Team owner Robert Sarver, who suggested the team wear their Noche Latina alternates, said frustration with the federal government's failure to deal with the illegal immigration issue is what inspired his decision. He released this statement:

"However intended, the result of passing the law is that our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law are being called into question," he said, "and Arizona's already struggling economy will suffer even further setbacks at a time when the state can ill-afford them."

(See photos from the May Day immigration marches in our photo gallery!)

Phoenix guard Steve Nash revealed his reaction to changing uniforms for Cinco De Mayo:

"I think it's fantastic," Nash said after Tuesday's practice. "I think the law is very misguided. I think it's, unfortunately, to the detriment of our society and our civil liberties. I think it's very important for us to stand up for things we believe in. As a team and as an organization, we have a lot of love and support for all of our fans. The league is very multicultural. We have players from all over the world, and our Latino community here is very strong and important to us."

This small step is sure to inspire locals to reevaluate decisions being made in their state, as well as countless sports fans viewing tonight's game. Even the NBA Players Association is against SB 1070; executive director Billy Hunter issued a press release, denouncing the law:

The recent passage of the new immigration law in Arizona is disappointing and disturbing. The National Basketball Players Association strongly supports the repeal or immediate modification of this legislation. Any attempt to encourage, tolerate or legalize racial profiling is offensive and incompatible with basic notions of fairness and equal protection. A law that unfairly targets one group is ultimately a threat to all.

We applaud the actions of Phoenix Suns players and management and join them in taking a stand against the misguided efforts of Arizona lawmakers. We are consulting with our members and our player leadership to determine the most effective way for our union to continue to voice our opposition to this legislation.

Suns general manager Steve Kerr explained that the Suns want to "make sure that people understand that we know what's going on and we don't agree with the law itself."

For a sports team, that's a brave public statement to make, when most keep their political views private.

Tr3s Comunidad, will you be watching today's Suns game? Tell us what you think about their decision in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags arizona, Cinco de Mayo, Immigration, Los Suns, Phoenix Suns, SB 1070, uniforms

Oscar De La Hoya may be known for his boxing career, but he's also an author, Latin Grammy-nominated artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur. On September 29, De La Hoya will be awarded B&C/Multichannel News' annual Lifetime of Achievement in Hispanic Television Award, in recognition of his achievements in and out of the ring.

The award will be given in acknowledgment of De La Hoya's outstanding contribution to television targeted to Hispanic viewers. One of the most notable events was the fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr, in 2007, which generated hundreds of millions of dollars and set the current record for the greatest number of orders ever for a boxing event.

Larry Dunn, Group Publisher for Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News, released this statement:

"Oscar De La Hoya has had a remarkable impact on the television business, especially with Hispanic viewers. We feel strongly that he deserves to be recognized for the role he has played, and continues to play, in helping to generate significant revenues for the industry."

De La Hoya — who continues to make his contribution to Hispanic television through his boxing business, Golden Boy Promotions, and ventures like the Major League Soccer team Houston Dynamo — will be honored at a ceremony in New York, in conjunction with B&C and Multichannel News' 8th Annual Hispanic Television Summit.

The world champion will join the prestigious ranks of previous recipients, including Sabado Gigante host Don Francisco, sportscaster Andres Cantor, Maria Celeste Arraras, Cristina Saralegui, Jorge Ramos and General Manager of North America Marketing at Procter & Gamble, Edgar Sandoval.

Tr3s Comunidad, which was your favorite Oscar De La Hoya pay-per-view fight? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags award, Lifetime of Achievement in Hispanic Television Award, Oscar de la Hoya

(image via trail2010.org)

In a few weeks, an estimated 65,000 undocumented immigrants in the U.S. will graduate from high school, watching their dreams crumble as they struggle to survive. To combat this and other injustices, people across the country will gather on Saturday (May 1) to protest our immigration system.

MTV Tr3s Senior Producer Daniela Capistrano spoke with the Trail of Dreams group about their event in Washington D.C. and the journey that brought them there.

Juan, Felipe, Gaby and Carlos — undocumented Hispanic students in their 20s — took turns on Friday (April 30) introducing themselves to me through a crackling speaker phone, doing their best to condense years of unspeakable hardships.

All graduated high school with honors but were unable to attend universities. All were prohibited at various times from applying for a drivers license or library card. Sadly, each one of them shared similar stories of working odd jobs for less than minimum wage and standing by helplessly while family members were brutally dragged to jail and deported.

These are the voices of the Trail of Dreams group — young activists committed to convincing President Barack Obama to pass the DREAM Act (The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act). Beginning in January 2010, they marched 1,500 miles with other undocumented students and allies to Capitol Hill. On Saturday (May 1) they will stand with over 1,000 other students to demand the basic rights that many of us take for granted.

The DREAM Act, a bipartisan legislation pioneered by Sen. Orin Hatch [R-UT] and Sen. Richard Durbin [D-IL], would provide qualifying undocumented youth with a 6 year long conditional path to citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service.

"Nobody feels good about the situation these kids are in," says Ira Mehlman, spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which advocates for reduced immigration. "It was the decision of their parents to violate the law that put their children in this difficult situation."

For Carlos Roa, a 22 year old Trail of Dreams member who left Venezuela in 1987 with his parents, the DREAM Act would mean a chance for a new start — without living in fear.

"Senior year was depressing," Carlos recalled. "Friends were looking forward to graduating and their futures, while I felt like my life was going backwards and down the drain. I remember the assistant principal asking me, 'What are you going to do after high school?' I didn't know what to tell him. I ended up saying I was going to join the armed forces, knowing that I couldn't legally do that. After high school, I ended up working [low paying] odd jobs, 6 days a week. It was a difficult time."

After Carlos' mother passed away from cancer in 2006, the honor student who had dreamed of being an architect found himself unemployed and evicted. "It was tough for me," Carlos admitted. "I was 18 years old and I couldn't do anything. About a year after her death I told myself I could no longer live being undocumented or voiceless."

Carlos proceeded to submit his story to newspapers and magazines, eventually reaching Julia Preston at the New York Times. Her response (and other support) led to his involvement in the Trail of Dreams campaign.

(See more photos from their journey in our "Trail of Dreams" photo gallery!)

Gabby Pacheco, a 25 year old activist who remembers racing home after school to watch "TRL" on MTV, feels that everything changed when immigration came to her door. "After that, my activism hit another level. When the Trail of Dreams project was presented to me — after earning 3 degrees and seeing how life was going no where — I knew I had to do something."

Pacheco and her friends are tired after their trek to D.C., but not defeated. They also understand that others are afraid too. On their 1,500-mile walk, they were exposed to the other side of the immigration issue. Felipe Matos shared what it was like to be confronted by a minutemen member who was convinced it was their fault his wife was dying:

"Through out this journey, we've seen the power that sharing stories has on people.

A man in South Carolina who's eyes were watering because he was so angry, [approached us] to say that his wife needed an organ transplant. Because there was no donor, the [doctors] told them she only had a couple of months to live. He told us, 'It's all your fault because immigrants are talking all resources, she will die because of you!' We saw him as a man deeply in love with his wife, who was deeply concerned for her. We shared our story as students, as leaders who have only tried to contribute and we listened to his story and pain.

By the end, Gabby gave him hug and afterward he said, 'I'm sorry, you're completely not what I expected you to be.' So, lots of hearts and minds have changed along the journey. By sharing stories with the President, hopefully we can end this suffering."

Believing in Obama's campaign promises to support the Dream Act and immigration reform, the trekkers are refusing to be satisfied with simply meeting with a White House official — "We want to talk to him," Pacheco says.

For Juan Rodriguez, a 20 year old student from Colombia who lost all of his family through deportation, advocating for the DREAM Act empowers him to move past tragedy and help others. "I've seen how [current immigration law] has torn apart anything that was meaningful in my life. I want those same injustices to stop happening to millions of people facing terror on a daily basis."

With controversial immigration laws pending in Arizona and other states, even U.S. citizens who simply appear Hispanic are in danger of harassment from immigration officials. "We have to do something," Gabby explained. "No more talk — now it's time to act."

Supporters who would like to sign the DREAM Act petition can do so by simply texting TRAIL to 30644 on their mobile phones.

For more ways to show your support, send your feedback to @Trail2010 on Twitter, visit trail2010.org to learn more about the DREAM Act and participate in ongoing immigration events in your town.

The views expressed in this post by Daniela Capistrano do not necessarily reflect the views of Viacom, MTV Tr3s, Blogamole, MTV Networks or any other subsidiaries.

Tags DREAM ACt, Immigration, May 1st, protest, SB 1070, Trail of Dreams

(image via indigoat~'s Flickr)

If you're a guy with a vast agricultural empire or an aspiring mob boss, your best strategy is to have a lot of female friends — they are more likely to help you out. According to a new report, women are taking to the casual gaming environment in greater numbers than men. 28% play games such as FarmVille and Mafia Wars; men were 6 percentage points less likely to do so.

“Women are particularly attracted to short, casual games involving an active community like FarmVille, Cafe Wars or Pet Society,” said Tom Smith, managing director of Trendstream, in a statement. “Women also spend more time on social networks in general.”

Does this mean that social gamers who are female are less likely to be "true" gamers? Gamasutra doesn't think so. It is estimated that close to 40% of all World of Warcraft players are female, or almost 3 million players.

Despite recent findings, it would be inaccurate to suggest that women are not interested in shooting and highly competitive games. If you need proof, watch this episode of True Life!

Smith's statement may not ring true with all female gamers, but social gaming is definitely now an integral part of web — nearly one-half of US social network users now play social games, according to Lightspeed Research and Trendstream’s Global Web Index.

eMarketer has stated that social gaming is the fifth most popular social networking activity, ahead of watching videos or searching for new contacts — but what does this mean for the ladies? Whether you're a "Female Gamer" or "Girl Gamer," check those targeted ads running next to FarmVille and you'll figure it out:

Featured travel deals, shopping coupons and spa packages — increased female activity means that brands are taking advantage of this space by attempting to engage with female consumers — through casual games. Hearst Magazines has added social gaming features to many online titles, including GoodHousekeeping.com and Redbook.com.

To the uninitiated, offline/online gaming and play in virtual worlds may seem like a man's world, but console suppliers are definitely not turning away their female audience, or their money.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 spokesperson had this to say:

"Certainly social networking functionality like Twitter and Facebook appeal to a female audience. Studies have found that in general, most social networks have more female users than male, including Twitter (about 59% female) and Facebook (about 57% female). There is a lot of functionality in Xbox LIVE that appeals to women. With Xbox LIVE parties, users can connect and share gaming experiences with friends on the same couch or across the country. Women are an important audience for us, and we're offering a variety of entertainment experiences that will appeal to them."

Game companies are attempting to meet all demographics, but a recent study found that
there are more strides to be made. Dmitri Williams, a communications researcher at the University of Southern California, told Fox News that "The game industry has not focused on women, even though women are 38 percent of all players... I'm [still] the target audience, a white guy in my 30s," said Dmitri, "but the country doesn't look like me anymore."

Despite increased efforts, developers still have a lot to learn about Latino representation. There remains a glaring lack of Latino characters at just 2 percent, even though Latinos make up 12.5 percent of gamers.

"Studies of Latino children show they play more per day than white children," Williams said. "They're a minority, but very large minority."

To find resources for female gamers, visit womengamers.com, female-gamer.com and follow @TraceyJohn on Twitter — she's awesome.

Tr3s Comunidad, do you think that a social gamer can also be "true" gamer? How do you define a "true" gamer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010, gaming, social, Study, video games, women

Would you like to score a bunch of free comics this weekend? You can, thanks to Free Comic Book Day! This event - the first Saturday in May each year - is a time when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books to anyone who comes into their stores.

Here's a clip of "Heroes" star Milo Ventimiglia explaining why he loves Free Comic Book Day:

In total, 33 comics are being distributed on FCBD, so bring a big bag! You don't want to miss grabbing a copy of "Iron Man/Thor," Marvel's Free Comic Book Day offering.

Want more? DC Comics is providing "War of the Supermen #0", Dark Horse has "Doctor Solar/Magnus," and IDW is giving away "G.I. Joe #155 1/2"!

Independent publishers are spreading FCBD love too — Fantagraphics Books is offering Jim Woodring's "WEATHERCRAFT and Other Unusual Stories." If you live in Seattle, the artist himself will be be present to hand out and sign his creation.

In the past weeks, freecomicbookday.com has posted 16 exclusive interviews with the writers, artists, editors, and other industry professionals behind this year’s Gold and Silver titles.

In addition to helping support comics retailers, the organizers of Free Comic Book Day use the event to promote children's literacy. Shortly after Free Comic Book Day 2009, Hugh Jackman (X-Men's Wolverine) appeared in a YouTube spot in support of the cause.

To find out which stores are participating in your area, use the FCBD Store Locator. You can also follow Free Comic Book Day on Twitter @fcbd10 for special event news, giveaways and to find other comic heads.

For more from the Free Comic Book Day 2010 lineup, visit MTV Splash Page.

Tr3s Comunidad, we want to see your pics from Free Comic Book Day! Send us links @MTV3!

Tags 2010, free comic book day, Heroes, Milo Ventimiglia

image via Latina Magazine

'Idol' vet Allison Iraheta rocked pink hair and black nail polish for the May cover of Latina, which hit newsstands last week. The Salvadoran American singer's feature spans eight pages and contains full-page portraits of last year's top 4 finalists.

If you're an Iraheta fan, this issue is a must-buy. Allison reveals details about her previous attempts at talent show fame, along with thoughts on the less-than-stellar sales of her debut album, Just Like You. She also speaks about the support and confidence she feels from fellow 'Idol' contestant Adam Lambert, who is quoted as saying, "It’s going to take some time, but she’ll get there."

Adam also jokes about telling Allison she can move in with him if and when she decides to attend college. "Allison’s still like my little sister, even though we don’t get to see each other as much,” he said.

Lambert's invite is sweet, but the 'Friday I'll Be Over U' star, who turns 18 this week, has already announced that she will be celebrating her birthday by moving into her own place in Los Angeles.

Watch this behind-the-scenes video of Allison at her Latina shoot:

Adam may not get a new roomie in Allison, but the 'Idol' buddies will be spending lots of time together later year: Iraheta and Orianthi will open for Lambert on his 'Glam Nation' tour. Allison told On The Red Carpet that she is looking forward to supporting her friend and mentor:

"Pure awesomeness. Adam is unbelievable live and so is Orianthi. I feel so lucky and blessed to be part of this. I'm so stoked and excited, it's going to be a lot of fun."

(via Idol Tracker)

Tr3s Comunidad, what do you think about Allison's debut album, "Just Like You"? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, cover, Latina Magazine

(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Arizona's new controversial immigration bill has ignited flames of controversy across the nation. Immigrants and lawmakers alike are criticizing the law; Gothamist reported that the Reverend Al Sharpton is planning a protest:

"We will go to Arizona when this bill goes into effect and walk the streets with people who refuse to give identification and force arrest."

In response to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s signing of the country’s most extreme anti-immigrant legislation, protests and rallies around the country are planned for May 1.

SB 1070 has awakened a youth protest movement in Arizona: Jessica Mejia, who was born and raised in Tucson and attends the University of Arizona, told CNN that she doesn't leave the house without three pieces of identification:

"Even if you're legal, you're in fear that maybe your driver's license isn't going to be enough or if you're walking down the street and the police stop you," said Mejia, 21. "It's a constant fear we're living in and even legal citizens are afraid to go out."

(For images from the protests in Arizona, check out this photo gallery.)

On April 22, more than 500 Arizona students walked out of a local high school in protest of the impending bill.

Two days days after SB 1070 was signed, a Phoenix man was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and claims he was a victim of racial-profiling.

Even Meghan McCain, who was born and raised in Arizona, doesn't support the bill. Her recent column for The Daily Beast was prefaced with this statement:

Let me say upfront that I do not support the bill that was signed by Governor Jan Brewer. I believe it gives the state police a license to discriminate, and also, in many ways, violates the civil rights of Arizona residents. Simply put, I think it is a bad law that is missing the bigger picture of what is really going on with illegal immigration.

The concept that a law-enforcement official can stop an individual when “reasonable suspicion exists that a person is an alien, who is unlawfully present in the United States” is essentially a license to pull someone over for being Hispanic.

If enacted, the law (which President Obama has called "misguided") will make being an undocumented immigrant in Arizona a state crime and police officers will be allowed to ask anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant for documentation.

According to the New York Times, there is a growing split in Arizona over immigration. Supporters of SB 1070 say the continued failure of the federal government to secure Arizona’s borders required this drastic measure. Back in March, Arizona rancher Robert Krentz was shot and killed by someone who was believed to be an illegal immigrant.

Investigators said Krentz apparently came upon one person when he was shot. Krentz was heard telling his brother "illegal alien" on the radio before his death, and the area of the killing is a known smuggling corridor, according to authorities. The murder stirred unease in Arizona about illegal immigration after law enforcement officials tracked footprints from the crime scene back to the border.

A Phoenix New Times blog claims that "by the time this battle is over, Arizona will be further impoverished and reviled as a backwater, the laughing stock of America, a hick land of anti-Mexican rednecks that's worthy of its reputation for ugliness and tyranny. In other words, the same as now, just a little lighter in the pocket."

The jokes have already begun: Saturday Night Live took aim at the state's intolerance in a recent Weekend Update segment. It begins around 27:24 minutes into the show.

Mayor Bloomberg has weighed in about a potential boycott of Arizona:

"[M]any people from around the world may think twice before visiting Arizona and subjecting themselves to potential run-ins with the police."

The bill is set to take effect in early fall, if it withstands legal challenges. "It will probably be in July or August," said Phoenix lawyer Daniel Ortega to Time Magazine, "That's the first thing I am telling people. There's panic in the community."

If you are interested in participating in a rally or protest, there are many ways to get involved. Visit
The Campaign to Reform Immigration FOR America for more information.

Tr3s Comunidad, what do you think about SB 1070? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags arizona, Immigration, Meghan McCain, protest, Reverend Al Sharpton, rights, SB 1070

By Daniela Capistrano

What if your religion was very non-traditional? "American Mystic," a new documentary by Alex Mar, explores the lives of people who have separated themselves from mainstream America to attain spiritual goals. The film will premiere April 22 at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.

Intertwining very intimate, apolitical portraits, "American Mystic" attempts to capture your imagination with compelling characters: Kublai, a Spiritualist in the former revivalist district of upstate New York; Chuck, a Lakota sundancer in the badlands of South Dakota; and Morpheus, a pagan priestess living off the grid in old mining country in southern California.

I contacted Cuban American director Alex Mar to learn more about what her journey into Spiritualism was like, obstacles she faced during production and how her Catholic upbringing influenced her work. "American Mystic" is her feature debut.

Alex Mar on location for "American Mystic"

Tr3s: What are some myths or negative misconceptions about Spiritualism that you’d like to clarify for the Tr3s Comunidad?

Mar: As I understand it, Spiritualism is about the continuity of life after our physical body has died, and the continuity of our relationships with those who have passed away before us. So you can speak to the dead through mediumship — but, as Kublai asks in the film, "What's death?"

Spiritualists have also historically been among the most open-minded and progressive Americans. The first women allowed to speak openly in a public forum were Spiritualist pastors. Abraham Lincoln consulted with a Spiritualist advisor.

There's a lot of emphasis in the history books on the showmanship of the early days of Spiritualism — table-tipping, seances, spoon-bending (as you see in my film) — but that was merely meant to bring attention to the bigger picture.

Could you sacrifice comfort for your faith? Watch the trailer and read more of our "American Mystic" Q&A, after the jump! Read more...

Tags Alex Mar, American Mystic, documentary, Q&A