Brianna Lee

Brianna Lee joined IBT in July 2014 and covers U.S. immigration and Latin America. Previously she worked as a writer and editor at the Council on Foreign Relations and as a staff writer for the PBS news program "Need to Know."

@briannaclee

Ecuador's Silicon Valley? Quito Bets Big To Be South America's Next High-Tech Powerhouse

A brand-new city, Yachay, is planned as the country's ticket to a high-tech revolution, but it has to survive an economic crisis first.

Venezuela Elections 2015: Why Venezuelans Are Fleeing The Country

Four days from a critical election, many dispirited Venezuelan expats see no reason to return and cast a ballot.

Brazil Petrobras Scandal Arrests: Senate Leader, Investment Bank Chief Alleged In Corruption Probe

A sitting senator and a high-profile financial figure have been implicated in an unwinding controversy involving the country's state-run oil company.

US Border Crisis Rebounding? Unaccompanied Child Migration Back On The Rise

Almost 5,000 unaccompanied child migrants were caught at the southern border in October, almost twice the figure from a year ago.

Why Are Syrian Refugees Leaving Syria? Civil War Has Killed 19,000 Children Since 2011: Report

Government forces caused the vast majority of children's deaths, but rebel forces and international airstrikes are also to blame, the report found.

Turkish Embassy In Moscow Ramps Up Security After Downing Of Russian Jet: Report

Protesters reportedly appeared in front of the embassy in Moscow hours after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane.

China-Latin America Relations: In Ecuador, Dependency On Beijing Financing Of Development Projects Raises Fears, Uncertainty For Some

China has been Latin America's critical financial lifeline for more than a decade -- investing over $100 billion since 2005 -- but the fanfare has deflated in places like Ecuador.

Colombia Peace Deal Update: Refugees Displaced By Violence Say They'll Never Return

A peace deal may soon end Colombia's 50-year civil war, but refugees in neighboring Ecuador say it won't assure them they can return home.

France Civil Liberties: After Paris Terror Attacks, Will New Security Measures Divide Or Conquer?

Human rights advocates and others are warning of overreach as political leaders react to Friday's massacre in Paris.

Haiti Elections 2015: Ahead Of Presidential Vote, Officials Look To Avoid Turmoil In High-Stakes Political Contest

Haitian officials are hoping to avoid the mishaps and violence that plagued August's legislative elections, but there's little confidence Sunday's presidential vote will go much better.

Argentina Election 2015: Next President Will Inherit A Flailing Economy

Sunday's vote will determine who takes the reins of a country staggering under the weight of double-digit inflation and critically low foreign reserves.

Guatemala Election Results: Next President Will Face More Pressure Than Ever On Corruption

An unprecedented anti-corruption movement felled Guatemala's last president. Whoever wins Sunday's election will have to face a public hungry for even more change.

Brazil Unemployment Rate Soars As Workers Brace For Tighter Economic Squeeze

Anxiety has spread quickly as the unemployment rate threatens to hit double digits in a matter of months.

What Does Colombia's Peace Process Mean For Millions Of Displaced People?

An end to Colombia's 50-year civil war is within reach, but it's unclear how the government will compensate over 6 million people forced out of their homes.

Brazil And Climate Change: Push For Clean Energy Could Help Ailing Economy, Analysts Say

Climate-friendly policies and technologies could help the South American country, which is beset by a recession, rising unemployment and political turmoil.

Mexico Missing Students Anniversary: One Year After Disappearances, Little Has Changed For Mexican Security

The disappearances of students riled Mexican anger over rampant violence and insecurity. But one year later, little has changed.

Immigration Reform 2015: Can Pope Francis' US Visit Shift Debate On Immigrants?

Advocates are hoping the pontiff's U.S. visit will temper some of the immigration rhetoric coming out of the 2016 presidential campaign season.

Brazilian Fugitive Bank Executive Faces Extradition From Italy Over Lula-Era Corruption Scandal

Former Bank of Brazil executive Henrique Pizzolato fled to Italy three years ago after being implicated in one of the biggest corruption scandals in Brazil's recent history.

Pope Cuba Visit 2015: Will Francis Help End US Embargo?

"I urge political leaders to persevere on this path and to develop all its potentialities ... on behalf of the peace and well-being of their peoples," the pope said.