From Guatemala to America

Contributed by Evelyn Rodriguez:

From Guatemala to America

                On November 6, 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act was passed. It offered nearly immediate legal residency to undocumented immigrants with an option to pursue full citizenship if they have been living in the US since 1982. It also helped the legalization of Special Agricultural Workers. In 1986, most immigrants lived in metropolitan areas in the Southwest, cities like Los Angeles and Houston. Yet for the other immigrants, there was a 50% increase of patrols on the Mexican borders, making it even more difficult and dangerous for people to pass. Many people died of dehydration. Also, people never knew what types of dangerous mobs and human traffickers were out there or if they could be kidnapped or not. The border patrol during this time shot dozens of people, killing them.

                Life for immigrants was very hard. They had to learn to adapt to the American culture, yet still keep their culture preserved and keep a strong connection. It was also hard for people to leave their families and the only thing they had ever known in their lives. Most came into this country knowing only their foreign language and had to learn English which was very difficult but was essential for success. Most came into America searching for better opportunities but coming into a country with only the cloths on your back most of the time and trying to succeed was very tough.  Yet people still risked their lives and cultures because they saw a better future in the US.

Interview:

Click here to listen to an interview about my family's journey from Guatemala to America.  An immigrant's story. or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOGQxUNfTzM.

 

 

For more information on Immigration to the US from Latin America, see:

1. Kahn, Carrie. "Study Details Lives of Illegal Immigrants in U.S." Npr. N.p., 14 June 2005. Web. 4 Mar. 2013. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4703307

2. Farkas, Steve. "What Immigrants Say About Life in the United States." The Migration Information Source. Migration Policy Institute, May 2003. Web. 04 Mar. 2013. http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?ID=119

3. Mess, Kurtis. "U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act." U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (Simpson-Mazzoli Act). Hein Online, n.d. Web. 04 Mar. 2013. http://library.uwb.edu/guides/usimmigration/1986_immigration_reform_and_control_act.html

4. Graglia, Amy. "Fundacion MEPI." Fundacion MEPI. Kaiten Soft, 6 Jan. 2012. Web. 04 Mar. 2013. http://fundacionmepi.org/index.php?option=com_content

5. Garcia, Angela S., and David G. Keyes. "Life as an Undocumented Immigrant." American Progress. Center for American Progress, 26 Mar. 2012. Web. 04 Mar. 2013. http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/report/2012/03/26/11210/life-as-an-undocumented-immigrant/