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TV show is a Spanish-speaking forum By SARA MURPHY ASHLAND � Sitting on the set of the RVTV studio, Argelia Whittington rattles off something in Spanish faster than just about any beginning Spanish student can "comprender." But for an ever-increasing number of Jackson County residents, Whittington�s native tongue is theirs as well. Unfortunately, she says, the local Hispanic community doesn�t have many forums for mass communication. "There is really nothing going on locally in Spanish," she says. Nothing, perhaps, except the live cable-access program Whittington moderates every two months on Rogue Valley Community Television (RVTV). The program is rebroadcast between tapings. The show � called "El Puente de la Amistad" or "The Bridge of Friendship" � is sponsored by the Hispanic Clearinghouse at Southern Oregon University. Whittington, a Mexican-born U.S. citizen, is the program�s director. Since September 1996, she has organized and hosted the Spanish-language TV program, which includes a smattering of information, such as work and educational opportunities and community calendar updates. Each show also includes discussion on a relevant topic � such as immigration � and a bit of entertainment. "The goal is to keep the Hispanic community informed," Whittington says. A show broadcast and taped earlier this week focused on recent changes to immigration laws, and offered viewers an opportunity to call in with questions for Harvey Seeley, supervisor of detention and deportation for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Medford. A translator is available to assist, but Seeley, who has been a guest on the show about a half-dozen times, speaks fluent Spanish. "I�m from Minnesota, so it doesn�t come naturally," he jokes. "I do the show because I think it�s important that there�s a place for people who speak Spanish to get some answers to questions they might have." Seeley says the most common question he�s asked comes from folks wondering how to help relatives immigrate to the United States. On this week�s show, he had good news for people in that situation. The Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act � known as the LIFE Act � was signed into law by President Clinton in December. The new rules allow spouses and minor children of permanent legal residents who have been waiting more than three years for a green card to enter the U.S. and receive work authorization. Previously, people in that situation had to wait six years, Seeley says. The new rules also allow spouses of American citizens who are outside of the United States to enter the country and obtain work authorization while waiting for their immigrant petition to be approved � formerly a two-year wait, Seeley says. "It�s a heck of a good deal," Seeley adds. Whittington says she�s pleased to be able to offer the area�s Hispanic residents a medium for the type of information Seeley has to offer. "It�s important for the Hispanic community to be aware of these changes," she says. "They are the ones who are always affected." Reach Ashland bureau reporter Sara Murphy at 482-4655, or e-mail [email protected] Program schedule "El Puente de la Amistad," a local talk-show style TV program for the Hispanic community, is broadcast live in Spanish every two months on Rogue Valley Community Television, RVTV Channel 9. The program, also called "The Bridge of Friendship," typically includes a cultural segment and community updates, including work and educational opportunities. The program, moderated by Argelia Whittington, is sponsored by the Hispanic Clearinghouse at Southern Oregon University. The following topics are scheduled for this year�s lineup. All programs begin at 6 p.m. - April 10 � Children�s month. Includes discussion on parenting and stories for kids. - June 12 � Problems when buying a car. - August 14 � Steps to become a homeowner. - December 11 � Christmas traditions, posadas, goals for 2002. To participate or make an announcement on the program, contact Argelia Whittington at 552-8223 or email [email protected]. For a schedule or more information about Rogue Valley Community Television, visit www.roguetv.org on the Web. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.