The opening of the embassies in Washington, D.C. and Havana culminate an important step in the normalization of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. President Obama’s new approach towards Havana moves beyond decades of unsuccessful efforts to isolate Cuba, and is the continuation of a process designed to allow the Cuban people chart their own future. This will allow us to increase contact with the Cuban government and the Cuban people, helping us to contribute to the democratic development and prosperity of the country. To inaugurate the re-opening of the Cuban embassy in the United States, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez travelled to Washington and became the first Cuban official to visit the capital since 1959.

The embassy openings in Washington, D.C. and Havana follow the decision taken by Secretary of State John Kerry to rescind the designation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and President Obama’s announcement to formally re-establish diplomatic relations and permanent diplomatic missions on July 1. These measures further advance U.S. interests, including counterterrorism and disaster response. The Administration is also taking steps to improve travel and remittance policies that will increase people-to-people contact, support civil society in Cuba, and enhance the free flow of information to, from, and among the Cuban people.

Starting today, the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, as well as its Cuban counterpart in Washington have been upgraded to the rank of embassies in full operation. Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson -- who stood at the forefront of the negotiations between the United States and Cuba -- led the State Department’s delegation. The Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez participated, along with a delegation of 500 guests, in the ceremony where the Cuban flag was raised over the new embassy, followed by a meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry, in the State Department, where the Cuban flag has also been deployed, symbolizing the restoration of diplomatic relations.

While the official opening ceremony of the Cuban embassy was held today in Washington, the celebration in Havana is expected to take place on August 14, when Secretary Kerry will visit Cuba to raise the American flag over our embassy once more. The U.S. embassy in Cuba was shut in 1961, when we severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, and was later reopened in 1977 under an Interests Section status, following an agreement between President Jimmy Carter and Fidel Castro. Coming after the formal restoration of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba, we will increase our staff size at the American embassy and our diplomats will be able to engage more broadly across the island. President Obama remains committed to ensuring that the Cuban people are able to prosper and live in freedom and security, and enjoy a connection with the world where their incredible talents and ingenuity and hard work can thrive.

Here in the United States, we’ve seen robust enthusiasm from the American public. Many Americans citizens are eager to travel to Cuba and many American businesses are eager to invest in Cuba. And as evidenced in public opinion surveys, Cuban people in the island also show greater openness towards our policy of engagement. Americans and Cubans alike are ready to move forward.

The differences between our two governments are profound; the U.S. government will remain committed to the respect and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy in Cuba, and we expect similar reciprocity from our Cuban counterparts. As more exchanges take place, the relations between the U.S. and Cuba gradually consolidate the connection between the Cuban people and Americans, which will be reflected by a more constructive link between our governments. This does not only represents a turning point in our relationship with the Cuban government, but will also have a positive impact throughout the hemisphere and our continued work toward an expanded commitment to our regional neighbors.

We are pleased with today’s embassy openings, which represent another step towards a normalized and productive relationship between the United States and the Cuban people. Ultimately, it will be the Cuban people who drive economic and political reforms. That is why President Obama took steps to increase the flow of resources and information to ordinary Cuban citizens in 2009, 2011, and today. The Cuban people deserve the support of the United States and of an entire region that has committed to promote and defend democracy. No one expects Cuba to be transformed overnight. But through our renewed engagement with the island, a better future lies ahead.

People and organizations from around the world are weighing in. Take a look at what they're saying, and then add your voice to the conversation using hashtag #CubaPolicy.

"Commercial exchange between the U.S. and Cuban private sectors will bring shared benefits" —@USChamber: http://t.co/dgRlTCQdQs #CubaPolicy

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2014

Read more here.

“We hope these monumental steps will contribute to a more full realization of the rights and freedoms of the Cuban people and create tangible avenues for their economic, political, and social engagement.”

 -- Statement by Roots of Hope

Welcome home to Maryland, Alan Gross. Here's wishing you boundless joy with your friends and family this holiday season.

— Martin O'Malley (@GovernorOMalley) December 17, 2014

“Today’s prisoner exchange between the USA and Cuba presents the best opportunity in more than half a century to forge an agenda for human rights change amid efforts to normalize relations between the two countries.”

-- Statement by Amnesty International

President Obama speaks with President Raúl Castro of Cuba before announcing his #CubaPolicy: http://t.co/ZeORP4H0jr pic.twitter.com/dJMxK2IAor

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2014

“In the last month, President Obama has used executive orders to address the two largest structural impediments to better US relations with Latin America; immigration, and Cuba. We commend his leadership on both counts. Today, nearly 55 years of ineffective Cuba sanctions policy has come to an end.”

-- Peter Schechter, Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Alan Gross. Back on U.S. soil. pic.twitter.com/Ut5jvdQGg2

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) December 17, 2014

Read more here.

“Chag Sameach. What a blessing to be a citizen of the United States of America. Thank you President Obama for everything you have done today.”

-- Statement by Alan Gross, upon returning home

With today's Cuba news, now possible to imagine 30 MLB teams with academies on island, similar to D.R. Profound impact on baseball industry.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 17, 2014

.@Pontifex expresses his support for today's #CubaPolicy announcement by President Obama: http://t.co/wIgkkJeTsf pic.twitter.com/Nk559Nn8tm

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2014

“The Holy Father wishes to express his warm congratulations for the historic decision taken by the Governments of the United States of America and Cuba to establish diplomatic relations, with the aim of overcoming, in the interest of the citizens of both countries, the difficulties which have marked their recent history.”

-- Statement by the Vatican

President Barack Obama participates in an interview on immigration with Jose Diaz-Balart of Telemundo at the Casa Azafrán community center in Nashville, Tenn. December 9, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

This week, President Obama participated in an interview with Jose Diaz-Balart from Telemundo/MSNBC and Jorge Ramos of Univision to discuss his recent executive actions to fix as much of our broken immigration system as he can while urging Congress to pass a comprehensive bill to get the job done, among several other topics. Here are some highlights from the interviews:

On his executive actions: (Telemundo)

President Obama: "And I think it's important for all your viewers to understand that the new executive actions we've taken apply to the people who have been here for five years and who have U.S. children or children who are legal permanent residents. In that case, you can register and you can be assured you won't be deported.

"More broadly, we’re going to make sure that families, people who are working and responsible in their communities, are not prioritized for deportation. So the likelihood of their deportation is going to be much lower. But at the border regions as well as when it comes to criminals, we're still going to be making sure that we enforce those laws.

"But what had happened was throughout this last year and a half, we saw a convergence of Democrat, Republican, independent voices saying this is the right thing to do. We got a good Senate bill.  All we needed was a vote in the House. I gave Speaker Boehner a year and a half to try to get that passed. I think personally he wanted to do it.  He couldn't get his caucus to go along.  And at that point, we had essentially exhausted the possibilities in this Congress of getting something done. My hope is that the next Congress seizes on the option."

On his legal authority to act: (Telemundo)

President Obama: "I asked the Office of Legal Counsel to give me their best ruling on how much legal authority I have, and we stretched as far as we could. My hope is that this becomes a spur to action by Congress.  If not, it's certainly going to be a conversation going into the next presidential election and the next set of congressional elections.  And I think there are a lot of not just Democrats but thoughtful Republicans out there who understand that they want to be on the side of history that welcomes people who are already here who stand to make a tremendous contribution to our society, and that we are not going to continue a process in which we hypocritically claim that these folks have no path to get legal at the same time as we know that they’re working in our restaurants, working in our fields picking fruit, working in our hotels where we stay cleaning up our hotel rooms. I think the majority of Americans want strong borders, but they also recognize people who’ve been here for a while, they deserve a chance to get out of the shadows -- and be held accountable by paying taxes."

President Barack Obama participates in an interview on immigration with Jorge Ramos of Univision, at the Casa Azafrán community center in Nashville, Tenn. December 9, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

On the importance of signing up for deportation relief: (Univision)

President Obama: "…now that we've taken these actions, making sure that people understand what their opportunities are, how we can take advantage of it, and how we can build to make sure that, going forward, not only as many people register as possible -- if you’ve been here for five years, if you have a child who is an American citizen or a legal permanent resident – that you are likely to end up signing up so that we build up that capacity and we lay the groundwork for passing comprehensive immigration reform. Because if we don't do that, then it is true that there are going to be a whole bunch of folks who try to push back, and this is necessarily a temporary measure designed to help as many people as we can right now.  But we've still got a big fight that we're going to have to take in the future."

President Barack Obama participates in a naturalization ceremony at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, Republic of Korea, April 25, 2014. Walter Haith, Field Office Director, U.S. Embassy calls the name of each candidate, and Robert Daum, Deputy District Director, USCIS Asia-Pacific Region, administers the oath of allegiance. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This morning, President Obama welcomed 20 new American citizens at a special naturalization ceremony held at the War Memorial in Seoul, South Korea. President Obama celebrated the new citizenship of 13 service members and 7 military spouses at today’s ceremony. The President paid tribute to all those who served and fought for the United States in the Armed Forces, including generations of immigrants. The President also had the opportunity to highlight the important role of military spouses, 7 of whom were granted citizenship, for their commitment and service to the United States.

Those honored came from 14 different countries, each with a unique and poignant personal story but all shared a common love of our country. We celebrate the true meaning of patriotism -- the love of a country that’s so strong that these men and women were willing to risk their lives to defend our country even before they could call it their own. It is through the remarkable sacrifices of these 20 individuals that the power of immigrants in the United States is illustrated. These men and women defend our nation’s freedom day after day or support their spouses who do so.

Watch on YouTube

America is stronger because of its history as a nation of immigrants, coming from all parts of the world. There is more to citizenship than just circumstances of birth, but rather a joyful spirit of citizenship, one that demands participation, responsibility, and service to our country and to one another. 

If our nation wants to continue to attract the best and the brightest, the smartest and most selfless, like the men and women in uniform who became American citizens today, then we owe it to our citizens to fix our broken immigration system and pass commonsense immigration reform.

The President will continue to fight tirelessly to urge Congress to act this year on reform that will modernize the legal immigration system, continue to strengthen our border security, hold employers accountable, and provide a pathway to earned citizenship for those undocumented immigrants living in the shadows. Commonsense immigration reform also means that our country can live up to our most closely held values by providing the opportunity for others to join our American family.

Katherine Vargas is the Director of Hispanic Media.

Learn more about President Obama's trip to Asia

Vice President Joe Biden ceremonially swears in Small Business Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, with her husband Ray Sweet holding the bible, in the South Court Auditorium of the White House, April 7, 2014. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Yesterday, at the White House, President Obama and Vice President Biden participated in a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony for Maria Contreras-Sweet as the new Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Mrs. Contreras-Sweet is an excellent choice to lead the SBA, having served at high levels in both the public and private sectors.  Mrs. Contreras-Sweet served as the first Latina cabinet secretary in the history of California, oversaw one of the largest state government agencies in the country, and built a successful bank dedicated to serving traditionally underserved Latino communities from scratch. 

Maria Contreras-Sweet is a champion for the success of small businesses; that’s why President Obama said during her nomination that “Maria Contreras-Sweet will help small businesses get their good ideas off the ground, to expand, to hire, to sell their products and ideas not only in our domestic markets, but also overseas.” Strengthening the economy is the President’s top priority and Mrs. Contreras-Sweet will play an integral role by supporting small businesses with expanded access to SBA loans.

America’s small businesses are vital for the creation of expanding opportunities for the middle class, including thousands of Latinos. Mrs. Contreras-Sweet has served a critical role in ensuring that entrepreneurs and small businesses have access to the capital they need to start and grow their businesses in both the public and private sectors. Small businesses will continue to add good paying middle-class jobs, help grow the economy, and create opportunities for hard-working Americans in the coming years.

Small businesses are on the front lines transforming an economy focused on speculating, spending, and borrowing to one constructed on the solid foundation of educating, innovating, and building, which is critical to America’s success in the 21st century. Today, as the economy continues to grow, businesses have created 8.7 million jobs in the past four years and small business will continue to be a critical factor in that growth.

As Secretary of the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency for California, she managed an approximately $12 billion budget, oversaw a workforce of over 40,000 and numerous state-wide departments. Mrs. Contreras-Sweet founded ProAmerica Bank – a bank focused on serving small and mid-sized businesses and the first Latino-owned business bank in California in over 30 years. Previously, Mrs. Contreras-Sweet served as Vice President for Public Affairs at Seven Up and co-founded Fortius Holdings. With decades of experience, Mrs. Contreras-Sweet has seen first-hand the business potential in the Latino community and nurtured it. Hispanics start businesses at 3 times the national average and contribute over $468 billion to the American economy. This keen understanding of the intricacies between the co-existence of business and government through her extensive experience in the small business and Latino communities allows her to hit the ground running at the new SBA Administrator.

Mrs. Contreras-Sweet is the second Hispanic in the President’s second-term cabinet, and the eighth woman in his current Cabinet. Mrs. Contreras-Sweet knows first-hand the challenges that small businesses face and has an established reputation as a fierce advocate for them. With her new role as SBA Administrator she will ensure that small businesses have the seat at the table they deserve. During her nomination in January, President Obama said, “I’m confident that she’s going to put her heart and soul into making sure that all the other people who are out there striving and trying to achieve their dreams can succeed as well.” Mrs. Contreras-Sweet also reminds us that in America, you can make it if you try. Mrs. Contreras-Sweet came to the United States at age 5 with her mother and five brothers and sisters. She didn’t speak a word of English and while growing up, she watched her mother work long and dangerous hours in a chicken packaging plant so that someday her children could work in an office. Mrs. Contreras-Sweet is living proof that with that kind of hard work and determination you can succeed. Today, we welcome SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, who brings a wealth of public and private sector experience, and look forward to the great work ahead. 

Katherine Vargas is Director of Hispanic Media 

Today, President Obama will take part in a town hall at the Newseum in Washington, DC to discuss the Affordable Care Act and how the law benefits the Latino community. The town hall is hosted by Univision, Telemundo, impreMedia and the California Endowment.

The town hall, which will be televised and livestreamed in both English and Spanish, will provide an opportunity for Latinos across the country to learn more about how to enroll in affordable, quality health care via the Health Insurance Marketplace.

You can join the conversation and submit questions on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #TuSaludyObama and #Asegurate.

Katherine Vargas is Director of Hispanic Media

This Thursday, March 6, at 11:30 am ET, President Obama will participate in a historic town hall on Latinos and the Affordable Care Act at the Newseum in Washington, DC. The town hall “Tu Salud y La Nueva Ley: Conversación con el Presidente” (Your Health and the New Law: A Conversation with the President) will be an opportunity for you to ask the President questions about the Affordable Care Act. You can join the conversation and submit questions on social media using the hashtag #TuSaludyObama (Your Health and Obama) and #Asegurate.

The town hall will be hosted by the Asegúrate campaign, also known as “Get Covered”, a partnership between the California Endowment; Covered California, and the largest Spanish-language media outlets in the U.S., including Univision, Telemundo, and La Opinion-impreMedia. The town hall with President Obama which will be televised, livestreamed and broadcast over radio, digital and social platforms in Spanish, will provide an opportunity for Latinos across the country to learn more about how to enroll in affordable, quality health care via the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 10.2 million uninsured Latinos have the opportunity to purchase quality, affordable coverage through the Marketplace, and as many as 8 million of those could get a break on costs. Just last month, the Department of Health and Human Services released a report that finds nearly 8 in 10 uninsured Latinos may qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP),  or lower costs on monthly premiums through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  

Thursday’s Asegúrate town hall with President Obama will be a great opportunity to learn more about how you and your loved ones can enroll in quality and affordable coverage, so submit your questions with the hashtag #TuSaludyObama and tune in at whitehouse.gov and whitehouse.gov/espanol.

Katherine Vargas serves as the Director of Hispanic Media at the White House.

As part of our ongoing efforts to educate Latinos about the benefits and protections under the Affordable Care Act and encourage them to sign up for health coverage, President Obama recorded a video message for the Latino community. Check out the message and hear the President talk about the tools available to help you and your “amigos, familia and vecinos” #GetCovered

Just this week, the Department of Health and Human Services released a report showing that the majority of Latinos could get a break on costs in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Nearly 8 in 10 uninsured Latinos may qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or lower costs on monthly premiums through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For example, a 27 year old with an income of $25,000 living in Miami, Florida could pay as little as $87 for a bronze plan under the Affordable Care Act. In Houston, Texas he or she could pay as little as $99 after factoring in premium tax credits.  

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act you can purchase the coverage that you need at a price as low was a monthly cell phone bill – which is critically important to Hispanic Americans who have the highest rates of uninsurance in the country.

You can sign up for a plan any time until the end of March - and already, over 3 million people have signed up for private plans through the Marketplaces.

If you don’t have health insurance there is a way for you to get health care that you can afford, even if you were previously denied for a pre-existing condition.  Depending on your income you might be eligible for savings or even health care for free. 

You and your loved ones can apply for coverage in the Marketplace in several ways:

• online at HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov
• over the phone by calling the 24/7 customer service center at 1-800-318-2596 with help available in English and Spanish
• in-person assistance in your local community, just enter your zip code at Find Local Help or Encuentre ayuda local. 

Health care coverage will no longer be just for a privileged few but a right for all to enjoy. We want to hear from you about how the Affordable Care Act has impacted your life through our newly launched Spanish-language tool to share personal health coverage stories #OurSalud: Comparte Tu Historia.

You can also join the conversation by using the hashtag #Asegurate on Twitter and Facebook.

Katherine Vargas is the Director of Hispanic Media

In the lead up to the State of the Union Address, the White House is continuing its commitment to connecting with the American public through social media interaction with senior Administration officials on important topics that are critical to our economic prosperity. We encourage the public to participate in the discussion by using the hashtag #SOTU. You can also follow along on the White House blog when White House officials take over the White House Instagram account to give you a behind-the-scenes view of preparations for the State of the Union. Tune in on Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. ET to hear more about the President's vision for 2014, and you can watch the speech with live Spanish captioning here.

President Obama and his Administration are breaking new ground on connecting with the Latino community every day by creating meaningful engagement through many platforms:

• The official Spanish-language website at whitehouse.gov/espanol and Hispanic sections at whitehouse.gov/Hispanic and immigration section at whitehouse.gov/immigration
• Bilingual Twitter account @LaCasaBlanca and bilingual updates from Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz @Cecilia44 and Director of Hispanic Media Katherine Vargas @Vargas44
• Bi-weekly Latino newsletter by the White House Office of Public Engagement on key events and policies of importance for the Latino community. To subscribe to the Latino newsletter, you can sign up here.
• Weekly Spanish-language video message called “Mensaje de la Casa Blanca” (White House Video Message) echoing the themes from the President's Weekly Address featuring senior level Administration officials.

Our great nation was built on and continues to thrive on its diversity and opportunity. Latinos will account for 60 percent of our population growth in the coming decades, and in turn will be an increasingly larger share of the workforce. There is no doubt that the future of the United States is inextricably linked to the future of the Hispanic community. That's something President Obama understands, and why he has made it a priority that his Administration is not only reflected in America's great diversity, but that we're being open and responsive to the needs of all Americans.

Thank you for your interest and participation.

Now, it is against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage or charge you more because of a pre-existing medical condition. And they will no longer be able to drop you from coverage just because you get sick or get into an accident. Most plans must cover preventive services like cholesterol and cancer screenings, at no out-of-pocket cost. Better access to prevention and wellness services is important for reducing health disparities among Latinos who suffer from high rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer.

Andrew Santiago is one of the 10.2 million Latinos who stand to benefit from the new protections provided by the Affordable Care Act. Andrew is a comedy writer from Brooklyn who works freelance jobs in television production. Andrew signed up for coverage under the Health Insurance Marketplace and qualified for a tax credit that allows him to purchase medical and dental insurance for only $87 a month. Andrew received enrollment assistance from the Hispanic Federation, one of the organizations working to ensure that Latinos across New York, New Jersey and Florida have access to quality and affordable coverage. 

Before the Affordable Care Act, Andrew didn’t think it was possible for him to secure or maintain health insurance given his financial situation and now he has a quality plan at an affordable price. Now, Andrew can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with health insurance because he can get the care that he needs when he needs it. A report from the Department of Health and Human Services released in October shows that half of single young adults are eligible for coverage for $50 a month or less. That means that young people everyone just like Andrew can get quality and affordable coverage for about the same cost as a monthly cell phone bill.

Now is the time to spread the word with family, friends and neighbors, tell them about the new health care choices and benefits that are available to them. For more information or to enroll visit HealthCare.Gov or CuidadoDeSalud.Gov You can also join in the conversation by following our bilingual Twitter account @LaCasaBlanca, or use the hashtag #OurSalud to share your health care story, we’d love to hear them.

Katherine Vargas is the Director of Hispanic Media

Learn more:

• New Health Insurance Options, New Consumer Protections in the New Year
• Have New Health Insurance? Here's What You Need to Know
• Get covered at HealthCare.gov

President Barack Obama holds a bilateral meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia in the Oval Office, Dec. 3, 201 (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Today, President Obama hosted President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia at the White House. Their visit underscored the growing partnership with Colombia, founded on our shared democratic values, deepening economic ties, and our long history of shared security goals.

Colombia is a respected leader in the region. We are expanding our partnership far beyond security into new areas of mutual interest like commerce, energy access, regional infrastructure and economic integration. Thanks to the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement – a win-win for both countries - U.S. exports to Colombia are up nearly 20 percent, supporting thousands of American jobs and helping to achieve President Obama’s goal of doubling U.S. exports.

Colombia is an example of the profound transformations underway in Latin America. Elections that once were exceptions are now largely the norm. Some of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Latin America and across the region. Tens of millions of people have escaped poverty and entered the middle class. This represents an incredible opportunity for a new era of relations between the United States and the Americas.

The remarkable progress in Colombia, once unthinkable, is a testament to the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of the Colombian security forces and the Colombian people. The President witnessed this progress during last year’s visit to the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena: Colombia now enjoys a new level of security, a dynamic economy, and stronger democratic institutions. 

President Barack Obama holds a bilateral meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia in the Oval Office, Dec. 3, 201 (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

During today’s meeting at the Oval Office, President Obama also praised President Santos’ strong leadership in the peace process:

I congratulated President Santos on his bold and brave efforts to bring about a lasting and just peace inside of Colombia in his negotiations with the FARC. Obviously, this has been a longstanding conflict within Colombia. It is not easy; there are many challenges ahead. But the fact that he has taken this step I think is right, because it sends a signal to the people of Colombia that it is possible to unleash the enormous potential if we can move beyond this conflict. But obviously, there are going to be some very challenging questions moving forward. I’m pleased to see the President’s strong commitment on that front. The United States is supportive of those efforts.

Today’s visit is also a nod to the strong partnership and important role that Colombian-Americans like me, are playing as a growing sector of the Hispanic community in the United States. In recognition of the contributions of Colombian immigrants to the vitality and strength of the nation, the White House has engaged the Colombian-American community by hosting briefings with community leaders here at the White House on the Free Trade Agreement, the economy, health reform and the President’s push for commonsense immigration reform. 

As Colombia forges its future, it continues to have a strong partner in the United States. The United States will continue to stand with Colombia should to shoulder as Colombians show the courage and resolve needed to build a future of peace and greater prosperity.  

For more information, read the fact sheet on the strategic partnership between the United States and Colombia.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the Affordable Care Act during a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House, Oct. 21, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

In the last three weeks, the health insurance marketplaces opened for business across the country. This was great news for the 15 percent of Americans – including 10.2 million Latinos – who don’t have health insurance, either because they can’t afford it or because their employer doesn’t offer it. At an event at the Rose Garden on Monday, the President discussed how the health care law is strengthening health plans and coverage for Americans. He was joined by consumers, small business owners, and pharmacists who have either benefitted from the health care law already or are helping consumers learn about what the law means for them and how they can get covered.

Among those participating in the event was Jessica Ugalde. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Jessica was able to stay on her mother’s insurance and receive treatment for a serious illness. Before health reform was enacted, recent college graduates like Jessica would have lost their health insurance when they left home or graduated from school. Young people in their first job were often forced to choose between paying their rent or maintaining their health insurance.  The ACA changed this, by allowing young adults to be on their parents’ plan until age 26. This policy has already benefitted 913,000 Latino young adults who otherwise would have been uninsured. Because of the provision of the ACA that allows young people under the age of 26 to stay on a parent’s insurance, Jessica received the treatment she needed, quickly got better and was able to interview for a job which she still holds today.

Katherine Vargas is the Director of Hispanic Media

With open enrollment less than a month away, this is a great opportunity to review some of the key components of the Affordable Care Act and the health care marketplace that are important to know before October 1.

How does the health care law affect me?

• If you already have health insurance, you now have access to expanded preventative services like checkups, cancer screenings, mammograms and contraception at NO additional cost.
• Young adults, including nearly one million young Latinos, can now remain on their parents’ health insurance plan until the age of 26.
• Many seniors will save hundreds of dollars each year on their prescription drugs.
• Health insurance companies will no longer be able to deny you coverage or charge you more because of a pre-existing health conditions, including pregnancy or disability.
• Beginning 2014, most people are required to have health coverage. If they don’t, they may have to pay a fee.
• If you need help finding a plan, several kinds of help will be available to give you personalized assistance with the process. 

What is the new Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Marketplace, also known as the insurance “exchange,” is a new, simple way to find health coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs. With one application, you can see all your options and enroll. You can comparison shop in an online marketplace, just like you would for cell phone plans or plane tickets. This tool will help you save money on your monthly premium for private health insurance and you will be able to find out if you qualify to reduce out-of-pocket costs. You can learn more about the new health insurance marketplace through live chat online or calling toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-318-2596. 

How can I save money with the Health Insurance Marketplace?

You’ll be able to save on medical coverage in three essential ways:

1. You can potentially save money on monthly premiums when enrolling in a private health plan because ALL plans will cover essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions.
2. You can also reduce health care costs because you may be eligible for a reduction of out of pocket expenses like copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
3. Your child could get coverage under Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Some states will expand Medicaid eligibility in 2014, so your children could qualify even if your family has been previously rejected.

How do I enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace?

When open enrollment begins October 1, 2013, you can go to the Marketplace and see the health coverage options that meet your needs and fit your budget. There are four simple steps you need to follow to sign up for health insurance:

1. Open an account: Open an account online by providing basic information. 
2. Fill out the online application: Beginning on October 1, 2013 log into your account to provide more detailed information about you and your family including income, household size and more details to learn about the coverage, subsidies and tax credits that would be available to you.
3. Compare options and Choose a Plan: You'll be able to see all the options you qualify for, including private insurance plans and free and low-cost coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Marketplace will tell you if you qualify for lower costs on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You’ll see details on costs and benefits before you choose a plan.
4. Enroll: After you choose a plan, you can enroll online and decide how you pay your premiums to your insurance company. If you have any questions, there’s plenty of live and online help along the way. Once you select a plan that meets your needs, sign up and coverage will begin as early as January 1, 2014.

Don’t forget - 3 key dates you'll want to mark on your calendar:

October 1, 2013: Marketplace open enrollment starts

January 1, 2014: Health coverage can start

March 31, 2014: Open enrollment ends

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadodeSalud.gov

Katherine Vargas is the Director of Hispanic Media

Vice President Joe Biden ceremonially swears in Thomas Perez as Secretary of Labor, at the Department of Labor in Washington, DC, Sep. 4, 2013. Also pictured are (from left) Rafael Perez, Ann Staudenmaier, Amalia Perez, and Susana Perez. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

On Wednesday, I had the great honor to attend the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony of Secretary Tom Pérez at the Department of Labor. Secretary Pérez will undoubtedly be a fierce advocate for working men and women across America, including Latinos who comprise 15% of the labor force in the US.

During his remarks, Secretary Pérez shared his own personal story and how he has “lived the American dream.” The son of Dominican immigrants, he was raised in a modest home in Buffalo, New York. The constant encouragement from his family and mentors and an unwavering commitment to working hard ultimately led him to pay his way through college by working as a garbage collector and working at a warehouse. He attended Brown University and Harvard Law School. After earning his law degree, Secretary Pérez has had an impressive career in both elected and appointed office, most recently as Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

At each step of the way, he said, it was hard work that brought him to stand before us today. As an immigrant myself, his story reminds me of this country’s promise that if you are willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can still get a fair shot at success. Secretary Pérez brings that same work ethic to the Department of Labor with a renewed sense of purpose to make a difference in the lives of working Americans.

We are very excited to have him as part of the team, leading the Department of Labor which plays a critical role in ensuring people have the skills to succeed, and that an honest day’s work in a safe working environment leads to a decent living. Bienvenido Secretary Pérez!

For the first time ever, the White House invited four local Spanish-language television anchors to participate in the “Live from the White House” series, or in this case “En Vivo desde la Casa Blanca”. During this full day of behind-the-scenes and special access, each reporter had the opportunity to interview President Barack Obama. “Live from the White House” is an initiative which provides reporters outside of the Beltway a unique opportunity to cover the President and the Administration.

Spanish language television anchors from Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and New Jersey/New York City were given the opportunity to broadcast Tuesday from a special location on the South Lawn and attended briefings with some of the President’s top advisers on issues that are important to their Latino audiences like healthcare and immigration reform.

The reporters interviewed the President in the Blue Room, where he made the case for bipartisan, commonsense immigration reform which would be a big boost to our economy; offer a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million individuals and modernize our legal immigration system to make it more consistent with our values.

In the interviews, the President made clear the key principles which must be a part of any bipartisan, commonsense effort, including continuing to strengthen border security, creating an earned path to citizenship, holding employers accountable, and bringing our immigration system into the 21st century. Immigration reform has broad bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans, CEOs and labor leaders, and law enforcement and faith leaders.  Most importantly, it has the support of the American people.

The Hispanic community cares deeply about a myriad of issues facing our country and this audience is highly engaged on the issue of immigration reform. During his interview with Telemundo Denver anchor, Maria Rozmán, President Obama said the growing number of Latinos should be a source of pride for the country:

We know that 10 years from now, 20 years from now, 30 years from now, there are going to be more people of Latino heritage here in the United States, and that should be a source of pride and a source of strength... Immigration is always difficult -- it always has been in this country.  But what’s also been true is that this is the thing that separated America from every other country on Earth.  It’s part of what makes us special, and we have to continue that tradition by passing comprehensive immigration reform.

During the interviews, the President urged the House of Representatives to take action and said he stands willing to work with all parties to make sure that commonsense immigration reform becomes a reality as soon as possible. The President along with other Senior Administration officials emphasized that commonsense immigration reform will reduce the deficit and grow the economy, and highlighted a recent White House report on the economic benefits of the Senate’s immigration reform legislation.

Spanish-language anchors also participated in a briefing on the Affordable Care Act with officials from both the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services. The Affordable Care Act will provide 10.2 million uninsured Latino-Americans an opportunity to get affordable health insurance coverage. More information on Latinos and the Affordable Care Act is available here. The Health Insurance Marketplace, where consumers can compare insurance options in simple, easy to understand language, will open on October 1. Information on the marketplaces is available in Spanish at CuidadodeSalud.gov .

Univision and Telemundo local television who attended “Live From The White House” included:

• León Krauze, Los Angeles, CA (KMEX- Univision)
• Norma Garcia, Fort Worth, TX (KXTX-TV- Telemundo)
• Adriana Vargas, Paterson, New Jersey/New York City (WXTV- Univision)
• María Rozman, Denver, CO (KDEN- Telemundo)

From promoting job creation, to making sure that every American has access to quality health care, to reforms that strengthen education for all Americans, to fighting for immigration reform while standing up for the civil rights of all Americans, this Administration and this President will continue to engage the Hispanic community and Hispanic media in traditional and innovative ways.

Katherine Vargas is Director of Hispanic Media