Chris Sutter and Professor Lynn England, Sociology
Mexican immigration to the United States is a noteworthy phenomenon, not void of controversy. Accusations and tensions have risen on both sides of the line in past months. The issue is not an ephemeral one. There are currently more than 20 million Mexicans living in this country, according to the 2000 US census. Numerous studies have been done to understand migration. Studies that focus solely on economics, however, may fail to put a human face on Mexican immigration. Behind the dollars and cents are real people making real decisions about leaving their home and country to try their luck in the North. There are powerful motivations and perceptions that either fuel or discourage the trek northward. It is perhaps more important now than ever to understand this phenomenon.
The purpose of this study was to examine the concept of the “American Dream” that motivates Mexican migration. To accomplish this, I completed 26 interviews with Mexicans living in the United States. These interviews took place in Las Vegas, NV and Provo, UT between Feb. and May of 2005. Participants were asked what they missed about Mexico, why they had chosen to come to the United States, and what their future plans were. The interviews were semi-structured and lasted anywhere from several minutes to an hour, depending on how much the participant wanted to say. Some interviews were recorded and transcribed, however, if the participant did not feel comfortable being recorded, handwritten notes were taken instead. I also completed twenty-five interviews in Mexico between April 29 and May 7, 2005. These interviews took place in Acapulco, Guerrero; Taxco, Guerrero; and San Juan Teotihuacán, Mexico. The interviews followed a similar structure, but the questions were changed slightly to focus on perceptions about the U.S. Again, the length of the interviews ranged from several minutes to an hour or more.
I was surprised during the interviews at the frankness and honesty of the participants. Most were not afraid to share negative as well as positive feelings about the U.S. and many spoke of their illegal status and the difficulties associated with it. The interviewing process was time consuming and difficult, but very satisfactory. Each person had a unique point of view that shed light on my investigation. The interviews let me catch a glimpse into the lives of Mexicans who cross the border and made the phenomenon of migration much more meaningful to me than statistical information ever could be.
The transcribed interviews and handwritten notes were analyzed. I searched for common features of the interviews, especially pertaining to positive or negative remarks about both the U.S. and Mexico. These factors were compared and contrasted. The purpose of this paper was not to provide statistical information, but rather insights into the lives of individuals. I used this information to understand the “American Dream” that helps drive migration to the United States.
Many of the findings were to be expected. Mexicans on both sides of the border spoke of higher wages in the U.S., as well as the power of the dollar (which at the time of this study was equivalent to 11 pesos). Even with these predictable results, it amazed me how tangible these factors could be. During the interviews in Mexico I spoke with many people about housing and I was able to see the striking difference in homes that were receiving remittances (money sent from the U.S.).
Another important finding was that nearly all of the Mexicans I interviewed planned on returning to Mexico. Migrants in the U.S. generally planned on working for a few years to earn the capital needed to start a small business or build a home. This style of “revolving door” migration may be a result of several factors—the most important of which is a lack of opportunity in Mexico coupled with a love for their home country. Participants spoke of everything they loved about home, such as the food, the climate, the traditions and the culture. In the same breath they reported feeling frustrated at the prospect of spending their entire lives working menial jobs without having any prospect of ever improving their situation. The “American Dream” in Mexico is the idea that someone can go to the U.S., work for a while, and then return to make a better life for himself and his family—an impossibility for many who stay in Mexico.
Among those interviewed in Mexico, two very important characteristics stood out. One is the perception that emigration is extraordinarily common. Everyone I spoke with had a personal acquaintance—usually a family member—that had gone to the United States. The second characteristic was the frequency with which the dangers in crossing the border were mentioned. Stories of death while crossing the border abounded and the dangers included snakebite, dehydration, robbery, murder, drowning, and the U.S. Border Patrol—who were often described as ruthless. Such perceptions about the dangers of crossing the border are vital in understanding the determination—or even desperation—of those who decide to cross.
This study has been an invaluable part of my experience at Brigham Young University. I learned a great deal about designing and carrying out a study. I have now graduated in Latin American Studies and I plan on teaching English as a second language in a secondary school. Having an understanding of what motivates people to come to this country will aid me in teaching effectively.