Digital Story

Visit the address below to view my digital story on immigration.  I wanted to create an emotional aspect to this project and a final summary of my findings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFPzw8Ph_tY



What now? 
I plan on continuing this blog in the future to reflect on volunteer experiences.  I will be moving to Flagstaff, Arizona in July and I've already made a few contacts with some volunteer agencies I can get involved with.  I'd like to take more time to do service that I didn't quite get to during my undergraduate career.

Service is really important to me in order to stay humble, remember the privileges I have in life and help others.  I am not sure where my Spanish career will take me, but I'm sure excited.  Volunteering will add more to this blog so I can get a first hand experience of what some immigrants are going through; especially in Arizona.

I can't wait to travel as well! In a few years, I plan on visiting a country in South America, still deciding where I want to go.  I want to be completely selfless and put my entire self in the life of South America. What do those citizens experience every day? I'd like to compare regions, economic differences, cultural, spiritual, food, everything!

This is only the beginning. Although this blog was a brief introduction to even more information, I gained exposure and a deeper interest of the Hispanic population.

Volunteer Agencies

Other places to help around the Whitewater area

• Whitewater High School/School District - ESL Program & LINCS
• Janesville ESL Program
• St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Whitewater
• Delavin-Darian School District
• Literacy Network - Madison & Dane County
• Bilingual Receptionist, Childcare volunteers 
• Catholic Multicultural Center - Madison
• Wisconsin ESL Institute: WESLI
• Conversation Partner
• Domestic Abuse Intervention Center (DAIS)
• Interpreter
• United Way - VITA (Tax Preparation)
• La Casa de Esperanza - Waukesha

Jefferson County Literacy Council

Although my time is almost finished at UW-Whitewater, I hope to pass on some volunteer opportunities to future students.

An agency in the Whitewater area that has opportunities for student help is the Jefferson County Literacy Council.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the JCLC is to develop a better community through literacy. 

Demographic 

JCLC serves adults with literacy challenges, which includes immigrants trying to learn English or who are studying for the Citizenship exam. They also serve native adults who are learning more skills in math or perhaps preparing for their GED. 

Needs

Some of the more current needs are directly related US economic conditions and current job market.  Many adults are finding a need for higher skills training so they can be qualified for positions.  For example: JCLC has begun a computer keyboarding program.

With respect to immigration, the Latino population may face some challenges and understanding of the US culture they're currently living in.  JCLC teaches parents of school aged children English using a platform of school culture.

Another thing JCLC provides is a Civics Program which teaches adults about the resources in the local community as a platform for teaching English. 

Spanish Volunteer Opportunities!

For future students who are looking for volunteer opportunities, JCLC offers a few great programs that allow students to dive into the action and get involved. 

• JCLC is in need of Advanced Spanish Students to aid in extensive written translation.  
• Students could sign up for a 12 hour training course and become a tutor for adults with literacy needs.  For Spanish students, there is an opportunity to work with a Latino adult who may need your help. Since there is a 12 hour training, JCLC recommends dedicating 2 semesters towards this volunteer option so students can gain the full experience.
• Family Routed In Reading is a pre-emergent bilingual literacy program for 3-5 year olds.  Spanish students could enroll in a 1 hour training course which can lead towards volunteering.  Students can help with 1 family night or several!
• Lastly, JCLC is looking for interested student groups to help fundraise and spread awareness of the JCLC mission! JCLC staff are willing to provide the background information for student volunteers.  This opportunity would be greatly appreciated and would be a great philanthropy project for any student group!

The JCLC home page: http://www.jclc.us

Naturalization Test

Instructions/What information is asked of permanent residents looking to naturalize?

• Once a person reaches all the requirements listed in the last blog post, he or she can fill out the Form N-400 to apply for citizenship. 
• The person must know/have their USCIS (INS) number ready and available. This number is from a person's Permanent Resident Card (Alien Registration/Green card). This number consists of 7 digits and is entered into the top right area of every page on the Form N-400.
• The form is divided into 14 part

Part 1 - Your Name

• Your current legal name from birth certificate
• Your name as it appears on your Permanent Resident Card (If different from your legal name above.)
• Any other names you have used
• Name change (Optional) - The courts allow you to change your name when you become naturalized. This does not become final until the courts officially finish the naturalization process. 

Part 2 - Your Eligibility 

Simply check the box that signifies you are eligible.

Part 3 - Your Information

• US Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• Date you became a permanent resident 
• Country of birth
• Country of nationality
• Citizenship of parents
• Current marital status
• Request for disability waiver
• Request for disability accommodations

Part 4 - Information About Contacting You

• Home address
• Mailing Address
• Telephone numbers

Part 5 - Information for Criminal Records Search

• The FBI will use this information and your finger prints to search for criminal records 
• The results of this search may affect your eligibility, but race, gender, or physical description do not.

Part 6 - Information About Your Residence and Employment

• Write every address you've lived in over the past 5 years
• List everywhere you've worked. If you are a student, list the schools you have attended.

Part 7 - Time Spent Outside of the US

• Write the total number of trips and days spent outside the country

Part 8 - Information about Marital History

• Number of times you've been married
• If you're married now, add information about your current spouse
• Indicate if your spouse is a US citizen
• If your spouse is naturalized, give dates and details

Part 9 - Information about Your Children

Part 10 - Additional Questions

Part 11 - Your Signature 

Part 12 - Signature of person who prepared application for you

Part 13 - Signature at Interview

Part 14 - Oath of Allegiance

Part 15 - General Requirements

• Must submit two identical passport style photographs

FACTS

The filing fee is $595

For more information visit:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/n-400instr.pdf

Becoming a United States Citizen

There are many advantages of US Citizenship

• Right to vote
• Reunite with family in the US
• Obtain citizenship for children born abroad 
• Ability to travel into and outside of the US freely
• Collect benefits
• Become a federal employee
• Become an elected official 

In order to be a US Citizen, you must meet certain requirements either at birth or after birth.

At Birth

• Have been born in the US or in certain US territories that are subject to US jurisdiction.
• Have parents who were legal US citizens at the time of your birth.

After Birth

• Apply for derived citizenship through parents
• Apply for naturalization 

Naturalization 

Requirements
-Must be 18 years or older
-Be a permanent resident for a certain length of time (Usually 5 years)
-Be a person of good, moral character
-Have a period of continued residence and physical presence in the US
-Be able to read, write and speak basic English (Some exceptions)
-Understand and be knowledgeable of basic US history, and US citizens' rights and responsibilities.


When to apply
When at least 18 years and have been a permanent resident of the US for

1. 5 years
2. 3 years and married to a US citizen
3. While honorably serving for the US military for at least 1 year

How to apply

-File an application form N-400 Application for Naturalization 

-Submit supporting immigration and naturalization documents to prove that you meet residency and visa requirements

All information was found from sites below, visit for more information:

-http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Resources/B3en.pdf

(UCIS  B3. Customer Guide - How do I apply for U.S. Citizenship?)

-http://www.us-immigration.com/cart/category/us-citizenship.html

Immigration Status for Students

Focus Question: Should public school districts be checking for the immigration status of students  as a part of the application process for enrollment?

I found an article from the New York Times: U.S. Warns Schools Against Checking Immigration Status. 
Written by Kirk Semple 2011

Many schools have begun asking for immigration papers as a prerequisite to enrollment. Some schools even asking prospective students to reveal their citizenship or immigration status. How uncomfortable! 





For example: In New York, of the 139 school districts, 20% were requiring children's immigration paperwork as a prerequisite for enrollment.


“We have become aware of student enrollment practices that may chill or discourage the participation, or lead to the exclusion, of students based on their or their parents’ or guardians’ actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status,” said the memo, from Justice and Education Department officials. “These practices contravene federal law.”


This leads to a great fear for illegal immigrants. The requirements cause illegal families to avoid enrolling their children because could lead to being reported to federal authorities. 


In Arizona, state lawmakers have considered a bill that would require the state’s Education Department to determine the number of public school students who are unable to prove lawful presence in the United States




Supreme Court Decision 1982
Recognizes the right of all children, regardless of immigration status, to attend public school as long as they meet the age and residency requirements of the state law. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/education/07immig.html

Wisconsin Immigration Law

http://tinyurl.com/7debzyq

After learning a little more about Alabama Immigration Laws, and how similar they are to Arizona Immigration Laws, I wanted to see how Wisconsin relates. The URL above links to the FindLaw website.  I looked for Wisconsin legislation that relates to immigration status of an individual.  

Law Enforcement and Immigration in Wisconsin 

There is a federal program called "Secure Communities" which focuses on protecting communities.  US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) limits resources to those who have been arrested breaking criminal laws. Secure Communities is a way to carry out ICE's practices. 

In Wisconsin, anyone who is arrested will be fingerprinted and their identity will be run through a federal database to check for a criminal record and immigration status. 

Employment & Immigration 

Wisconsin participates in the Employment Eligibility Verification process.  Employers must complete the I-9 forms within three days after hiring an employee.  The employee is required to fill out a form, releasing basic information such as:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Social Security number

Employer must then verify that the employee has presented documentation confirming his or right to work in the U.S.

E-Verify Requirements

E-Verify is "an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, data from the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility". Wisconsin has no E-Verify requirement. 

Driver's License/ID Requirements

Wisconsin residents must present documentation proving identity, date of birth and U.S. citizenship or legal residence .

Public Benefits Restrictions

The federal law states that illegal immigrants are prohibited from receiving most public benefits.  But, in Wisconsin illegal immigrants are allowed to receive emergency services, health care and other programs that are deemed "necessary to protect life and safety."

Education Checks

Wisconsin does not seek information to reveal immigration status of children applying for enrollment in public schools. 

Voting Rights

Wisconsin does have a strict rule for voting.  A voter must present one of the following: 

• Wisconsin Driver's License/ State ID
• Military ID
• U.S. Passport
• Green Card
• Tribal ID
• Student ID

Housing Ordinances and Immigration 

No Wisconsin participation 

Reactions

After comparing some states with respect to the level of "strictness" immigration laws can be, I continue to be in the middle.  I can understand the need for E-Verify, yet at the same time, find it to be extremely in depth to prove that someone is not an illegal immigrant. The questions I gathered from  the E-Verify section are: 

What have been the consequences in WI of not participating in E-Verify? 

After writing the article about the tomato farmers, and knowing there are illegal workers in Wisconsin, what would happen to the Wisconsin State Economy if E-Verify were to be used in WI? How would this effect unemployment? 

I agree with the ID requirements, I feel that you should have some sort of identification.  This area to me would help the legal employment rate; if you need to present some sort of legal documentation get an ID, then the employer could simply ask for your ID. 

I also am happy that WI doesn't seek information of children during their application process for enrollment into public schools. (More information: Next Blog).  Leaving the immigration status of the parents out, I feel the consequences of not educating ALL children would be very high! This is the first step in the immigration transition of helping the children of the future become citizens.  It breaks the cycle.  If the children of immigrants have the same amount of work ethic their parents do, the opportunities and possibilities for these children are endless! They can help towards a better future and maybe towards helping their home communities. 

Economic Reality

NPR posted an article on the "Economic Reality of Tough Immigration Laws", discussing the Alabama Anti-Immigration Laws. Tagged on this article was a radio story, from which I took notes.

Justice. Rights. Protection of borders.

Who has the right to be in this country?

Focus question: Can the US economy really function without undocumented workers?

In order to make a profit, businesses focus on working, employment rates and consistency in the work force.  With respect to undocumented workers, employers can pay less and hire more which helps the business in terms of productivity.

The Alabama state reform has made it harder for an employer to hire undocumented workers and the Federal government is raising the legal atmosphere at the border and work sites.

NPR made an interesting point, conservatives wish for a "smaller government" yet by controlling the illegal immigration situation in the states, there is a larger government - tightly controlled borders.

This program was discussing a tomato farm that employs illegal immigrants.  Would legal citizens work on farms and do heavy labor that undocumented workers would do?

Traditionally, illegal Mexicans bring a very high work ethic and culture. They are in shape and are accustomed to heavy labor.  This can't be said about a traditional legal citizen... Usually, not willing to participate in extreme labor.  The story mentioned that this tomato farm employed some legal citizens.  They were going to hire a set amount, but only 1 or 2 of the applicants showed up.  The productivity decreased as a result of documented workers participating in the labor.

Some may say that illegal immigrants bring "unskilled labor", but in reality it is specialized labor.

If employers were to employe legal citizens, these documented workers would expect a higher pay.  If an employer pays more for labor, the consumers pay more for tomatoes.  This small change in cost will affect the productivity and profit all the way down the chain of operations.

NPR also noted that illegal immigration employment acceptance depends on the economic status and recovery: If the demand for labor is higher, politicians get softer on illegal employment.

Reflection
I think NPR and the tomato workers of Alabama bring up valid points in this radio story. There would be drastic economic affects if undocumented workers were completely taken out of the picture. Productivity would decrease, prices would go up, grocery stores would have to charge more. The immigrants choice to come to the US and work is usually for bettering their family.  Undocumented workers tend to not be as picky as US workers because they know what the American "Rock Bottom" is, and they've seen worse conditions.  If they can  have a consistent source of income, provide for their family, and work, they aren't picky. 


I would like to research what the effects are of undocumented workers not paying taxes or receiving any of benefits to protect them if they were to get harmed on the job. There is a large number of illegal immigrants working; if they were all to pay income taxes, what would happen with our economy? 

To Read More: http://www.npr.org/2011/10/08/141183030/can-the-u-s-economy-really-function-without-undocumented-workers

Consequences

Article: The Disastrous Consequences of Alabama's Anti-Immigration Law
Care to Make a Difference

"...Lives up to its billing as the nation’s toughest immigration bill and goes well beyond the Arizona law (S.B. 1070) on which it was based."

Bans undocumented students from secondary education.
Even if police are on a routine traffic stop, they demand proof of immigration status from anyone they suspect of being in the United States illegally.
Any contract entered into with an illegal alien is invalid, including rent.
It is a crime to be undocumented.

According to the article, the negative consequences include: 

• Loss of up to $10.8 billion of Alabama's GDP
• Loss of 140,000 jobs
• Loss of $264.5 million in state tax revenue

The greatest loss was the "social and civil rights" of those living in Alabama. 
2,285 Latino students did not show up to school






Reflection
This article was written by the Center for Action Progress which is a progressive group that works towards bettering the lives of Americans through ideas and action. Their believe is in an open, effective and pragmatic government. 


This article was difficult for me because of its vagueness... The past two posts concerning the Alabama Anti-Immigration Law were interesting to read, and rather intense.  I would like to research and compare the Alabama State Law to the Arizona, Wisconsin and Federal Law.  From what it sounds like, Arizona may even be more strict.  I feel that the law will have serious consequences if ALL undocumented students are banned from secondary education - my question is although it may be affecting the tax payers, what is the banning of students helping in the long run? I see more uneducated, low skilled migrants...
Second, I can see potential for large discrimination suites between the education system as well as the police having the ability to ask for identity because of a suspicion. If a person has nothing to hide, should it be fine? Or is this targeting the Mexican/Latino demographic.  I'd hope the police would have good intentions of stopping people because of a legit traffic reason, not because of racial suspicions. 


I am torn though because the Center for Action Progress works towards helping AMERICANS. Undocumented immigrants/aliens/people have feelings, a large work ethic, families, hardships, language barriers, etc. and DO need help. But as far as the American Constitution, they are not legally Americans.  So when the article states that there are "social and civil rights" being violated, I question the rights of these individuals.  In the global perspective, every individual has rights, but rights are earned through paying taxes, citizenship, becoming legal, the whole process. Talking to fellow legal immigrants, I have sensed an even harder expectation from them towards their own demographic - they worked hard to be in this country and so should the other immigrants coming to the United States. 


Instead of or along the efforts of banning, crimes and cranking up the law, I'd like to see efforts to help these immigrants become legal.  In the next post, I will describe some effects of undocumented employees in the work force. Very interesting and without them, we may need them more than we think. 


I see the consequences listed above, but they are too vague for me. In the "loss of 140,000 jobs" WHO/what demographic was originally employed in those positions?  And HOW did the state of Alabama develop the losses? My guess, mirroring the following post, is that the immigrants take those jobs, usually lower end that American's don't traditionally take and this helps the economy.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/the-disastrous-consequences-of-alabamas-anti-immigration-law.html#ixzz1s4aZIUI5

Alabama Anti-Immigration Law

According to the Latin American News Dispatch article - Text of Alabama Immigration Law, HB56


Alabama Anti-Immigration Law (June 9, 2011) "Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act"


Section 2: "The State of Alabama finds that illegal immigration is causing economic hardship and lawlessness in this state and that illegal immigration is encouraged when public agencies within this state provide public benefits without verifying immigration status. Because the costs incurred by school districts for the public elementary and secondary education of children who are aliens not lawfully present in the United States can adversely affect the availability of public education resources to students who are United States citizens or are aliens lawfully present in the United States..."

• Requires public schools to check the status of every student
• Criminalizes giving an undocumented immigrant a ride
• Requires employers to use E-Verify to check potential employees’ status
• (7) E-VERIFY. The electronic verification of federal employment authorization program of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, P.L. 104-208, Division C, Section 403(a); 8 U.S.C. §1324(a), and operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, or its successor program.
• Instructs police to check the immigration status of anyone they stop if they suspect the person of being an undocumented immigrant. View the text of the law

(10) LAWFUL PRESENCE or LAWFULLY PRESENT. A person shall be regarded as an alien unlawfully present in the United States only if the person’s unlawful immigration status has been verified by the federal government pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1373(c). No officer of this state or any political subdivision of this state shall attempt to independently make a final determination of an alien’s immigration status. An alien possessing self-identification in any of the following forms is entitled to the presumption that he or she is an alien lawfully present in the United States:

a. A valid, unexpired Alabama driver’s license.

b. A valid, unexpired Alabama nondriver identification card.

c. A valid tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification bearing a photograph or other biometric identifier.

d. Any valid United States federal or state government issued identification document bearing a photograph or other biometric identifier, if issued by an entity that requires proof of lawful presence in the United States before issuance.

e. A foreign passport with an unexpired United States Visa and a corresponding stamp or notation by the United States Department of Homeland Security indicating the bearer’s admission to the United States.

f. A foreign passport issued by a visa waiver country with the corresponding entry stamp and unexpired duration of stay annotation or an I-94W form by the United States Department of Homeland Security indicating the bearer’s admission to the United States.

http://latindispatch.com/2011/06/09/text-of-alabama-immigration-law-hb-56/

Risking it All

The site below is a documentary about Jaime and his partners traveling from El Salvador to the Texas border, USA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KvG8BwhSUs


Notes from the documentary:

1,000,000 flee from their home country in Latin America and Mexico to reach the "Impossible Dream".   They travel 2,500 miles through Mexico.  As mentioned in other posts and documentaries, the most popular ride for at least 1,000 illegal immigrants at a time is atop the freight trains.

We will follow Jaime, from El Salvador, his girlfriend, Lupita and a few other group members. Jamie had immigrated to the US before with his family and lived in Las Angeles para 15 años.  After joining a gain and getting in trouble with the law too many times, Jaime was deported back to his home country.  He is attempting the journey again for a second chance at a better life for him and Lupita. They embark on the dangerous route.

Police stop immigrants in open country side in order to catch the most people and where illegal immigrants have no where to run.  At the arrest location on the documentary - 300 illegal immigrants are arrested and deported back to home countries.

Only 40% of the attempting immigrants reach the US border. 

Jaime and his group take a huge risk in finding the "right" train.  There are no sign updates of where and which direction the trains are headed, so Jaime needs to take one important "guestimate" after another. If they get on the "wrong" train, there's a chance the group will be headed towards Guatemala.  It is very common for migrants to make the wrong decision. The second thing to watch out for is police at the stations - getting on the train has to be secretive. Jamie is tense because certain areas are known for gangs that rob the group or rape the women.  Jaime has 4 women with him.
This is one of those topics that I've never had to think about during my travels.  I have never had to hide or guess which direction the train is going.  I have been comfortable to ask people around me.  The most confusing transportation I've had to use was in Spain on my way to school.  The one metro stop had 4 different trains leaving in different directions, this was a little overwhelming at first - but then became routine.  


Jaime and his group move at night, 200 miles on foot.  They rest in hotels periodically.
This was a little scary to see.  The documentary showed a clip of all the migrants traveling at night.  The video mentions "ghosts" as an image of the illegal on the tracks.  The groups come together, the more the merrier.  It would be very frightening for me to wander around at night when everything is so unsure.  The irony is, this would be the safest time.  


At times, the group is able to climb in a box car, which can be a "safer" place to sleep and stay for a long distance.  Jaime has to jam a large wooden rod in the door so that it doesn't close - otherwise it would be very hard to breath.

Groups spend hours upon hours on riding the train.  Hazards they face include lack of food, freezing and hot conditions, finding shelter just to sleep, and avoiding the police, who can sometimes be bargained with to be let go - just give them money.
The trains are LOUD and deafening. Migrants aren't able to get any sleep while riding. 


The migrants journey: Tapachula - Arriaga - Ixtepec - Tierra Blanca - Cordoba - Orizaba - Puebla - Apizaco.

Lupita is exhausted.
This got me thinking - What does it mean to be "exhausted"?  As college students, we have occasionally have long nights of studying, have to work late, or are tired from a full day of classes.  But otherwise, if we are tired, it is our choice that we didn't plan ahead or get enough rest.  A mother is exhausted because her baby wakes up every couple of hours to be fed and then cares for her child the whole day.  Jaime is responsible for a whole group, ensuring safety, direction, finding food, sleep, watching for police, etc.  Jaime had taken this journey a couple times before.  I can't imagine being on your toes for days upon months - without a decent sleep.  


Another interesting phrase that came up was "Too many illegals is unsafe".  While migrating, Jaime wants to avoid large groups of migrants because it is too obvious for police.  They are referring to the danger of getting caught, not the danger of each other.  There is a balance of staying in groups at certain times and being separated in order to not get caught.  It is a game the whole way up and those who make it know how to play.

It different regions, such as Apizaco, it is safer to ride the busses instead of trains.  The group sits separate on the bus to not cause any suspicion.  Jaime and the group spend 4 days - 400 miles on busses.  We tend to get anxious after a few hours in a car.

I noticed Lupita has make up on the entire journey.  I've been reading that some women/men try hard during their journey to look presentable - it is less suspicious because immigrants would traditionally be dirty and tired looking.

Jaime, Lupita and one other person finally reach the Texas border - Matamoros, a border town. The other side of the Rio Grande is the USA - staring them in the face. They have spent 24 days traveling 2,500 miles.  Jaime has bought a cocodrilo inner tube to get across.  There doesn't appear to be any patrol on the other side. He pushes Lupita across and then his other friend.  They have made it safely.
The opposite side are lights. This is your final destination. What if looking across a body of water was hope, dreams, a better life.  I'm not sure if I'd be able to wade across a dark, smelly, animal filled, dangerous, large river - but if it was for a better life, I'd be willing to put myself out there.  The water looked SCARY! They are very brave.  It surprised me that this group only took 24 days.  After reading Enrique's Journey, I thought 2 to 3 months was more common, but maybe some of that time is learning how to play the game.  Enrique took many attempts to get across.  


I really enjoyed watching this documentary because it put pictures to what I've read in Enrique's Journey and some other articles.  It is a dangerous ride. Watching this documentary added new emotions and thoughts. 

Amputee Shelter

The following link is a short documentary available of the Enrique's Journey website: enriquesjourney.com

http://current.com/shows/vanguard/76279162_amputee-shelter.htm

Reactions:
El tren de la muerte represents dreams in Los Estados Unidos pero también, a reputation of shattering those dreams.  Many migrants aboard the train lose their lives or limbs from the dangerous tracks.

Manfred is 21 and has tried 6 times to get to the US.   The narrator found him in La Pachula, Mexico.  At the Amputee Shelter featured on the documentary, dozens of young men are fleeing their homes and from poverty for a better life in the US.  Most of these men are in their early 20's.

If the economies were better in their home countries, would these migrants still want move to the US?  Are there any other incentives? It seems that they are not looking for social aspects because their loved ones are in their home country and their are, in a way, forced to leave in order to live a better life.  Are they looking for monetary or material satisfaction that their economy can't give them? 

These men have fallen off the train in many ways: falling off, getting pushed, slipping, knocked off by a tree branch, etc.  They understand the risk of boarding this train and know the odds are against them.  Many attempt several times before el tren severely injures them and diminishes any possibility of someday riding el tren all the way north.

What kind of characteristics does this take?  Bravery! Determination! Hope! Pride! 
Is the risk worth it? From the limited amount I have read, the immigrants vision the US as this grand place with huge and magnificent cities.  Once they get here, is it what they hope? The living environments, from what I have read, typically offer a better living situation. An poor area in the US would still have better living conditions than a country that is extremely poor and still developing.  
What other positive characteristics are noticed in these young men and women?  It seems that the immigrants are flexible and adaptable.  They are not picky and will sleep, live, dream, work in any type of conditions in order to earn money for their family. I see them being selfless, most are traveling north, not for material wants of themselves, but for their family.  They seem humble, patient, kind; making several attempts at months in duration and making sure they are taking the time to make the best decisions during the trip to stay safe. They are willing to help others during their journey.  Are these traits cultural? OR do they work against Darwin theories of Survival of the Fittest. How far does human compassion go in these situations and what can the US learn from these characteristics? 

Manfred and other immigrants write letters, primarily to learn English.  But, for Manfred, writing letters was an outlet for him to express his love for his girlfriend he left behind.  Here is another aspect of the question above: These migrants are willing to take huge risks and are leaving their loved ones back.


I have different reactions to this.  I am planning on moving to Arizona after graduation.  I have a few friends down there already, but I am CHOOSING to leave my family in order to pursue my dreams.  Why is this not as hard for me? Is it because I will have contact through our technology of today - long distance is so easy with Skype, cell phones, etc.  Is it because I can visit whenever I want? I'm only a plane ride away, I don't have to take a long, dangerous journey just to visit.  Is it because I don't have the responsibility of providing for my family? I am able to do this for myself and there is nothing weighing on my shoulders.  Why is it easy for me to leave right now... Does this say something about the American Individualistic society? For some, family is not everything.  I love my family, but I am at a stage in my life where I can focus on myself and trust that my family will be okay. 

August Sanchez - Started medical care out of her own home and taught herself how to stitch wounds and care for amputees.  She helps poor and illegal immigrants, those who no one else will help.  This must be a hard situation because these immigrants are illegal, BUT helpless and need hope. I don't think people are born with the capability to just send them away because they are illegal. Without her, their wounds would bleed out and they would never have a future.

Is this encouraging illegal immigration?  By having kind Samaritans along the way, the immigrants know there will be communities to help them if anything were to go wrong (in certain locations).  What if the Mexican policy changed/ became much more strict and limiting: by helping immigrants August would be subject to illegal activity with a possible punishment? Would these helpful individuals still put so much effort into healing and giving immigrants hope? 

Along they way, immigrants have to stop to earn money.  This adds time to their journey.  This money helps to pay for wounds, for hospitals, to help others, to continue north, for telephone calls, for food, for some new clothes, etc.

Adjustment to life after accidents - Reality of never "living" in the US, but maybe visiting.  Life after is working to get back to a stable living condition, making at least minimal wages to live by and happiness.

Enrique's Journey

Summary

A brave Honduran boy makes an unforgettable journey to find his mother in the United States.  His mother leaves Enrique when he is just a little boy and 11 years later, Enrique wants to find her and understand why? His travels are hostile and full of thugs, bandits and a corrupt police force.  Enrique and other immigrant travelers often cling to the sides and tops of trains, and carry very little.  It takes courage and hope.  The author, Sonia Nazario, is an award-winning journalist who embarked on the journey herself from Honduras through Mexico in order to better relate and write the National Best Seller, Enrique’s Journey.

Facts – Afterward of the book: Page 241 + [The information from this point is all from Enrique’s Journey.   They are the findings of Sonia Nazario and opinions of Enrique and Lourdes themselves.]

“An estimated 1.7 million children live illegally in the US, most from Mexico and Central America” (Pg. 241).

“Throughout Latin America, even in traditional societies such as Mexico, where most legal and illegal migrants to the United States come from, divorce and separation are increasingly common.  That promises to produce more single mothers who feel forced to make the same choices.” [Migrating to the United States and leaving their children]

Question:

Is it good for the migrants themselves, for the countries they come from, and for the United States and its citizens?

For immigrants – there are material benefits they can gain from coming to the United States.  Women are able to find relatively higher paying jobs, which allow the ability to send money and material goods to their children. This money goes towards food, an education, clothes, and to help the relatives taking care of the children.  In the United States, lower income housing is still better than what housing can be in countries such as Honduras.  One example of a housing benefit is the water quality and indoor plumbing. 

There are some drawbacks, according to Enrique, of living in the United States.  He lives in fear of being deported at any time. He is prone to racism because of his race and the American made stereotype of illegal immigrants and anyone who may appear Mexican. Life in America is too hurried.   The biggest downside is the effect that parent-child separation has on the family.  Conflicts in the children can be seen in the schools and administrators work together to help med the damage caused by the years of separation.  Children try to find love in other places such as getting involved in gangs or pregnancy and living with the boyfriend.  These trends are much more common in children who have been reunited than children who were born in the United States.

Economy

Outflow of workers keeps unemployment from climbing higher in the US. 

According to Lourdes, “Immigrant labor is the engine that helps drive the American economy.  Immigrants […] work hard at jobs no American wants to do, at least not for minimum wage with no health benefits or paid vacation time.  Immigrants’ willingness to do certain back breaking jobs at low wages provides goods and services to all Americans at reasonable prices” (pg. 252).

Immigrants send one in ten dollars they make back to their home country.  This brings $30 billion a year to Latin America alone. The cash flow makes 15% of El Salvador’s gross domestic product.

Immigrants also learn skills of a more technologically advanced country.  They bring back lower levels of tolerance for corruption and the demand for a democratic society.  Because of the desire to communicate with families back home in Latin America, there have been improvements in telephone and internet services.

“36,000 gangsters in Honduras come from families in which the mother migrated north.”

Overall, immigrants use more government services than native-born.  They have more children, and therefore a higher use of the public school system. Immigrants are poorer, have lower incomes and qualify for more state and local services and assistants.  Their US-born children are entitled to welfare, food stamps and Medicaid.  Because immigrants earn less money and are less likely to own property, they pay lower taxes. Some receive salaries in cash, therefore paying no taxes at all.

Immigration

“Each year, the United States legally admits nearly a million people, more than twice as many as in the 1970’s.  Another 700,000 arrive illegally, up from 200,000 to 300,000 a year in the 1980’s to early 1990’s” (Pg. 251).

“More than six in ten residents of Miami and four in ten of  Las Angeles are from another country” (Pg. 251).

Immigration has affected public services: Classrooms, hospital emergency rooms, jails.  In Los Angeles County, jails have had to release prisoners early because of overcrowding cause by criminal immigrants. 

Enrique's Journey Reflection Questions.. Continued

Northern Arizona University Common Read Discussion Questions:

All pictures were found at www.Enrique'sJourney.com

• Discuss Enrique’s relationship with his mother.

Enrique is upset with his mother and has a very hard time forgiving her for leaving.  A child's number one question is if their mother still loves them and why they left? Once he is with his mother in the US, he gives her trouble and doesn't make life easy. He feels abandonment, is spiteful and continues to do drugs.  Enrique gives her attitude and doesn't accept when she tries to be a loving mother.  Lourdes has been in other relationships and now has another child. Typical of other children immigrants, Enrique feels jealousy, that Lourdes has created a new family and doesn't love him or Belky anymore.  From Lourdes' point of view, she left FOR him and found work in America FOR him! She wanted to provide him with a quality life in Honduras. She demands and expected respect and appreciation for her hard work. 

• Discuss the attitudes toward immigrants and immigration Lourdes and Enrique encounter in Honduras, Mexico, and the United States. Do those attitudes differ even within different parts of each country?

One of the hardest areas, by means of travel and getting through is the entry into Mexico. It takes Enrique several attempts just to get through the many checks and "la migra". He continuously gets sent back to Guatemala or Honduras and must start all over again.  This is the point that a portion of children immigrants simply give up.

Chiapas is the next major point and is known as, "The Beast".  This area is the most dangerous and known for bandits who will rob, murder, rape, etc.  Enrique learns several things: Don't take the busses because they pass through immigration checkpoints.  Never ride alone and don't trust anyone in an authority role.  There are several days where no women aboard the train because it is simply too dangerous. The Grupo Beta, a government migrants rights group works hard here. 

Veracruz, a city located nearly a third of the way up the length of Mexico, is where immigrants receive gifts!  People are friendly and signal in warning of hostile police. People who live on the tracks offer food and clothing up to the migrants on the trains. Many participate in helping as a way to protest Mexico's policies against illegal immigration. Instead of trying to cross at night to avoid the immigration check points and la migra, immigrants hope to cross Veracruz during the day.  The remarkable thing is that, "42.5 percent of Mexico's 100 million people live on $2 or less a day" (Pg. 105). Despite their extreme poverty, families have a generous spirit and through sweaters, tortillas, bread and bottles filled with lemonade, etc. The villagers of Veracruz believe in God's teaching, "When I saw you naked, I clothed you.  When I saw you hungry, I gave you food". 

In Mexico City, "crime is rampant [...] people are edgy and often hostile" (Pg. 126). The citizens of this area have experienced more negative behaviors from the migrants than positive and have nothing left towards immigrants except suspicion. 

• Trace the different names given to the train. What does each name reveal about the journey?

El Tren de la muerte: The Train of Death - Some areas of the train and tracks are over 20 years old.  They are very dangerous and aren't stable at all for children and mothers riding on top.   

El Tren Peregrino: The Pilgrim Train - At time the train is packed with migrants, all making a journey north.  They have different experiences and expectations and are all traveling together for a new land of the unknown.

El Caballo de Hierro: The Iron Horse - To Enrique, the train is magical, strong, powerful, dedicated.  It holds the weight and anxiety of the migrants on top.  It will get him where he needs to go. 

El Tren Devorador: The Train That Devours - The train itself has the ability to suck its riders under when they are trying to jump on.  Many have lost arms, legs, hands and feet, or have faced death from the pull of the tracks.  People also fall from the tops of the trains, sometimes being thrown off by street gangs.  

• How do you feel when Maria Isabel leaves Honduras?

I can understand it, but its repeating the cycle of a mother leaving her child.  It was hard for Maria to leave and she missed Jasmín very much.  Part of me is glad that Enrique and Maria were able to work things out and both showed commitment. Maria and Jasmín also give Enrique a reason to clean up and do better for himself.  They were his incentive to save money from working rather than spending his earnings on drugs.  

Enrique's Journey Reflection Questions

Northern Arizona University - Enrique's Journey Reader Guide, Discussion Questions

• How did Sonia Nazario write this book?  Examine the author’s background.  What about her background gives her empathy for her characters?

Sonia Nazario wrote this book after her own embark on the journey from Honduras through Mexico in order to better relate to immigrants who make this trip every year. 
Her family is from Argentina and she understands the transition in immigrant families. 

• What trends in immigration did she show?

Nazario reveals the high trends of mothers and children who migrate north to the United States.  Mothers, desperately and sadly, decide to leave their children behind with relatives in order to make a better living in the United States with hopes of sending their children money for food and education, and material items that they wouldn't receive normally.  The children migrate north, looking for their mothers with the question, "Does my mother still love me".  The material things and money their mothers send to them does not compare to the physical and emotional motherly love they missed for years. 

• What is Enrique’s living situation before and after his mother leaves?  How does he feel after his mother leaves? Does this compare to any emotions you have ever felt?

Before Enrique's mother, Lourdes, leaves, they are living in a single mother household.  Lourdes has never been able to buy her kids toys and fears they won't be able to finish grade school.  When she leaves, Enrique and his sister, Belky, move homes quite a bit between their biological father, his mother and their maternal grandmother.  Enrique feels abandoned after his mother leaves and there is not much that satisfies him.  He thinks of his mother all the time.  Enrique's emotions start getting the best of him as he gets into drugs and bad behavior.  I couldn't begin to feel empathy for Enrique and couldn't imagine what this would be like.  Any separation between my mother and I has been by my decision (Going to college) and I still am fortunate to have phone contact.  My mother was able to fund my education, food, material needs and give me physical and emotional love all through childhood.  I never had to separate love or money.  I feel very blessed, even though this is relatively more common the United States to be close with a mother.  

• What negative habits does Enrique develop in his mother’s absence?  How does this compare to negative habits that college students adapt when separated from their families?

As mentioned above, Enrique begins to involve himself in drugs and negative behaviors after his mother migrates north. This is an interesting question about comparing to US college students.  I feel that Enrique was adapting because of a void and found comfort in negative activities.  After my college experience, it seems that some rambunctious freshmen students engage in "negative" behaviors such as drinking because they feel they have an opportunity now that their 'hovering mother' isn't around to stop them - it's more in spite of "rules" than filling a void. There is hope of growing out of those behaviors and becoming a mature young adult.  In Enrique's case, his drug addiction and negative behaviors are a lifestyle that is hard to come out of because he's lived with the void for over 10 years.

• What happens to Enrique on his journey?

Enrique has many uphill battles while on his journey through Mexico.  He faces Chiapas, which is the "beast" of southern Mexico.  He battles bandits who rob him, immigration check points with corrupt police.  

• What are the attitude of many Mexicans toward Enrique and other Central Americans immigrants?  How does this compare to US attitudes?

Due to a few migrants who engage in negative and harmful acts along their journey, Mexicans that live near the train that migrates north have a skeptical view of the migrants from Latin America.  They create a dangerous environment and are associated with crime.  This to me was very interesting and I realized, people look down in away or lose trust with the group that lives south.  Americans don't always trust the stereotype of Mexicans (south) and Mexicans don't always trust the actions of migrants from Latin and South America.  

• What often is the attitude of the police with whom Enrique has encounters?  Is this justified?

This was one of the more disappointing aspects of reading about Enrique's Journey.  The police were corrupt and didn't help in fighting crime on the trains.  Their main goal was getting illegal immigrants from Latin America back to their home country.  They were hostile in how they handled the immigrants and offered no help. I feel the need for a safe environment and trying to keep the illegal crime rate down, but sometimes it was a question of who the police were after.

• What is the primary mode of travel for immigrants passing through Mexico?

According to the descriptions of Sonia Nazario, migrants will ride the train up through mexico.  Riding on top makes the trip go a lot quicker than by foot!  It is a very, very long journey that takes months. 

• How does Enrique cross the border?

Enrique crosses the border through the Rio Grande with the help of a well known coyote, "El Tiríndaro". He keeps his close in a plastic bag and crosses in only his undergarments. He uses a black inner tube and carefully waits for the lights and trucks of the American Border patrol to pass him in the darkness. As soon as he reaches land, there is an SUV, driven by El Tiríndaro's smuggling network, that drives Enrique towards Dallas.

• The author says that immigration is “a powerful stream, one that can only be addressed at its source.” What is the meaning of this statement?

After reading this book, I realize the issues and debates of immigration from the American side, are at the tail end of an immigrant's journey!  They have dedicated months to migrating through Mexico, the least of their worries is crossing the border.  I agree with Nazario that in order to "solve" the immigration problems in the US, in Mexico and even in Latin America, we need to start at the source: the home countries.  From the reading, I found that mothers and children don't want to migrate north, they have to so they can give their children a good life.  If we could focus on the economy, education and opportunities in Latin America, we could help those immigrants and allow them to stay in their home country.  Right now, the US is focusing on the multi-million dollar WALL that is right on the border.  This is an enormous amount of money that can be spent in more effective ways.  One method to help these developing countries is through Micro-Lending.  This is a loan given to the citizens of a certain country, that allows them to start up their own business and make money.  This not only helps their individual families, but jump starts the economy.  Also, if we can help the education system, citizens could attend school past the 3rd or 4th grade and help themselves and future families. 

Who lives in the US?

In the past 10 years, the US population has grown 

from 281.4 million residents to 309.3 million.  

In 2010, 40.0 million people were foreign born 

(13% of the total US population)  

Did you know that 53% of the foreign-born 

US residents are from Latin America? 

*23% being from Mexico.  

Since 2000, the Latin American population in the US has increased by 5.1 million, reaching 21.2 million in 2010. 

Mexico, Central America, South America

Here is a break down of the foreign-born US population:

~ 70% from Central America (55% México)

~ 18% Caribbean

~13% South America

~ 5% El Salvador

~ 5% Cuba

3/4 of all foreign-born from Central America, 79% were born in México

Distribution of Latin American and Caribbean Foreign Born by State: 2010

In 19 states, the foreign-born population from Latin America composed over half of the state's foreign born population.

The foreign-born population from Latin America represents 65% of the total foreign-born in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, New Mexico and Texas.


32% of the foreign-born population from Latin America are naturalized citizens.
Central America had the lowest percentage naturalized - 24%
Caribbean - 54%
Jamaica (61%) and Cuba (56%) have the highest percent naturalized
Mexico - 23% and Honduras - 21%

REACTION:  A large chunk of the country's population are not US-born residents.  To me, this says even more that the US is a salad bowl and not a melting pot.  There are a lot of students, workers, family members, etc. that have been living here for some time.  What efforts are out there to help these individuals?  How does this effect the US politically, economically, socially, demographically, culturally?  The highest naturalization rate is 61%, leaving a large percentage of the population whom have not received their citizenship yet. What percentage still has family in their native country who they are supporting?

All the information listed above is directly from the US Census Bureau "The Foreign Born From Latin America and the Caribbean: 2010" - American Community Survey Briefs, Issued in September 2011

(By Yesenta D. Acosta y G. Patricia de la Cruz)
http://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acsbr10-15.pdf