A continuation of ICFJ's training program on coverage of immigration, we are now offering an online course on immigration coverage for journalists from Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic media. The program will help journalists understand the legal, social, economic, and political impact of the immigration debate while providing new skills on how to cover this complex issue.

Watch Immigration Coverage participant Isabel Morales talks about how much she's gained from the experience, including meeting new colleagues and creating a new network of support.

The course aims to address the most important aspects of the immigration issue in the United States and Latin America, to train journalists about the most effective skills to cover this issue considering ethical dilemmas, language use, legal issues and the challenges journalists face at the border. In addition, all participants will be able to share their experiences related to reporting on immigration and discuss the best journalistic practices.

This online course will be led by well-known journalist Pilar Marrero, now reporter and columnist for the California-based newspaper La Opinión. Pilar is an experienced immigration reporter and has an understanding of public policies on immigration as well as their impact on the community. She won several awards including the 'National Association of Hispanic Publication’ award for best series on Latin America; the ‘Interamerican Press Association' award for her coverage of immigration and the Hispanic vote; and the 'International Center for Journalists' award for the series New path for International Immigration: Latin America in Spain, among other prizes. In addition, Pilar writes the blog ‘Diario Electoral'

The course is free of charge, but the space is limited. Journalists are encouraged to apply soon.

At the end of the online course, the most outstanding student will be selected by ICFJ to participate in the Scripps Immigration Program event, which will take place in Washington, DC, from July 8-16, 2009.