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‘Jesus was an immigrant,’ Louisiana activists say amid international immigration led population increase

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‘Jesus was an immigrant,’ Louisiana activists say amid international immigration led population increase


NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – New census numbers show international immigration was a major driving factor of population growth across the United States, contributing to Louisiana’s first population increase in years.

Nationally, immigration accounted for 84% of the nation’s population growth between last July and this July.

In Louisiana, the population grew by just under 10,000. The numbers reveal that about 23,000 more people moved into Louisiana from other countries than people from Louisiana to other countries.

Louisiana lost a net of 17,000 people to other American states.

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On the day after Christmas, immigration activists gathered at the steps of City Hall to send a message to Louisiana leaders.

Rachel Taber with Unión Migrante served as an interpreter for Alfredo Salacar of Mexico.

“For all of the anti-immigrant politicians that are supposedly Christian, we want to remind them that Jesus himself was an immigrant,” Salacar said.

Immigration activists said Jesus didn’t come from the White House, a palace or a mansion along St. Charles Avenue; he was born in a stable as his migrant parents who were forced to flee wandered a foreign country.

Taber said many undocumented families who’ve settled in New Orleans had to flee political tyranny, violence and poverty.

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“Louisiana is an incredible place everyone wants to visit because of our rich gumbo of people who made a life here: Cajuns, Sicilians, Germans, Irish, Spanish Islenos, Jewish people, resilient Africans and Indigenous people who kept their culture alive despite so much injustice. This recent wave from Central and Latin America is just the newest flavor to add to the family recipe,” Taber said.

Unión Migrante is fighting against racial profiling and the separation of families.

“That’s not a good use of our resources. We want to see families remaining together,” Taber said.

During Thursday (Dec. 26) night’s Christmas Posada and vigil, the local immigration activist group called on Louisiana leaders to take a more pro-immigration stance. At the Hispanic cultural celebration, they also demanded the federal oversight of the New Orleans Police Department continue.

“We’re not criminals. We are an asset,” said Yareli Andino. “If just one opportunity would be given, I think a lot of things could change.”

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This holiday season, they are asking people to open their hearts and homes.

“We contribute, we work, we’re here. We rebuild this community after every hurricane comes and destroys it. We work in your hotels. We work in your homes. I personally work in construction, and I’ve been in the homes of many of these same elected officials,” said Salacar. “We know that threats are coming our way… We have a human right to migrate and it’s disgusting to see politicians not only making money off of immigrants but turning us into a political pawn for their own ambition.”

Taber said, “Taylor Swift weekend, the Super Bowl, and Mardi Gras would not be possible” without immigrants.

Members of Unión Migrante said Jesus’ life is an example of empathy, compassion, peace and humility, displaying a deep love towards our neighbors and those most vulnerable.

In a statement, Sgt. Kate Stegall said, “The Louisiana State Police regularly partners with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to enforce laws throughout Louisiana. Additionally, LSP Troopers are assigned to federal task forces, where they focus on enforcing federal laws. In these collaborative efforts, Troopers uphold a high standard of professionalism and ensure respectful and effective interactions.”

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In a ride-along earlier this month, ICE told Fox 8 these alleged raids and indiscriminate sweeps couldn’t be further from the truth.

ICE representatives said the federal agency is prioritizing criminals and those who pose a threat to national security.

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Louisiana

Louisiana’s $30M tutoring program boosts elementary test scores

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Louisiana’s M tutoring program boosts elementary test scores


BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana elementary school students are seeing improvements in standardized test scores thanks to a $30 million High-Dosage Tutoring Initiative, state leaders say.

At Jefferson Terrace Academy, educators showcased how the program has helped raise Louisiana’s rankings on the Nation’s Report Card.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley emphasized the program’s challenges and progress.

“We’re still in the stream on this. We have work to do. To take something to scale like this statewide is hard. It’s difficult. No other state has done it,” he said.

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Brumley said the tutoring program consists of 10-week sessions, held three times a week for 30 minutes.

“Louisiana has been long challenged educationally. We are trying to implement comprehensive education reform to take the state to the next level,” Brumley said.

East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole explained the flexible approach.

“What ends up happening is—you can do it one of two ways—teachers can go in and work in small groups of no more than four students on the skills they need in order to get to grade level, or we can use our partners, and specialized online programs so they can do it on their own,” Cole said.

State leaders said the funding has allowed schools to bring in college students, teachers, and trained tutors, creating a safe and productive learning environment.

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According to the Nation’s Report Card, the initiative is already showing positive results—especially in fourth-grade reading scores in Louisiana, which have jumped from last place to 16th nationwide this year.

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South Alabama plays Louisiana-Monroe in a NCAA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala.

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South Alabama plays Louisiana-Monroe in a NCAA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala.


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Mike Kittrell

Louisiana-Monroe at South Alabama basketball

Louisiana-Monroe forward Makai Willis and South Alabama guard John Broom go after a rebound in the first half of a NCAA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at the Mitchell Center in Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com)

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Report: See where Louisiana ranks for mental health in 2025

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Report: See where Louisiana ranks for mental health in 2025


BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana ranks as the second-worst state in 2025 for mental health.

Soliant Health researchers ranked all 50 U.S. states in a study. It examined their mental and physical health, jobs, and access to healthy food.

The report says Louisiana has the fifth-lowest physical activity participation rate. The state has the fourth-highest average number of poor mental health days and the third-highest percentage of limited access to healthy food. Louisiana finished with a score of 23.1 out of 100.

Experts listed North Dakota as the best state for mental health, giving it a score of 82.

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The worst state, according to the report, is West Virginia, with a score of 21.9.

“A standout finding from our analysis is the clear link between a state’s disconnected youth rate and its performance in key areas like mental health and employment. Disconnected youth—those not in school or working—face greater risks of mental health struggles, including vulnerability to violence, substance abuse, and emotional challenges,” said Soliant Senior Vice President of Education Lesley Slaughter. “They’re also more likely to encounter unemployment, poverty, and long-term mental health issues later in life. This correlation underscores just how critical school-based healthcare professionals are; they don’t just support students’ emotional well-being but also lay the foundation for brighter futures, helping today’s youth grow into thriving, healthy adults.”

The 10 worst states for mental health in 2025, according to Soliant

  1. West Virginia — 21.9
  2. Louisiana — 23.1
  3. Arkansas — 26.6
  4. Nevada — 26.7
  5. Mississippi — 31.5
  6. New Mexico — 31.9
  7. Kentucky — 34.8
  8. South Carolina 38.5
  9. Oklahoma — 39.7
  10. Texas — 39.9

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