Works Cited

 

Baker-Cristales, Beth. Salvadoran Migration to Southern California: Redefining El Hermano Lejano. University Press of Florida(2004).

Coutin, Susan Bibler. "From Refugees to Immigrants: The Legalization Strategies of Salvadoran             Immigrants and Activists." International Migration Review, 32.4 (1998): 901-925.

Hagan, Jacqueline Maria, and Susan Gonzalez Baker. "Implementing the U.S. Legalization Program:  The Influence of Immigrant Communities and Local Agencies on Immigration Policy    Reform." International Migration Review, 27.3 (1993): 513-536.

Hansen,E., Donohoe, M. (2003). Health Issues of Migrant Seasonal Workers.  Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 14(2), 153-164.

Loucky, James, and Marilyn M. Moors. ed. The Maya Diaspora: Guatemalan Roots, New American Lives. Temple University Press. Philadelphia. 2000.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, (2010). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Working in the US. http://www.uscis.gov. Referenced: 11/28/2010

Vogel, Richard. "Transient Servitude: The U.S. Guest Worker Program for Exploiting Mexican and Central American Workers." Monthly Review: An Independent Socialist Magazine, 58.8 (2007): 1-22.

Villarejo, D., Baron,  S. (1999). The Occupational Health Status of Hired Farmworkers.   Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Reviews, 613-635.

What to consider....

When considering workers who have migrated from Central America, or anywhere in the world for that matter, we must think about why they are here.  They are here because conditions in their own country are poor, they are here to find work and opportunity, our economy has a demand for them, and their economy depends on the income from them. 
So why don't more of them have visas?  The U.S. currantly has a population of nearly 11-12 million undocumented residents.  This shows that it must be to their advantage to be here without documentation rather than applying for visas, green cards, or citizenship.  Being here as an undocumented worker also leaves them unprotected easily taken advantage of.  It is also extremely difficult for them to continue travel across boarders so most undocumented immigrants will go great extended periods of time without seeing their family, children, and friends.  All of these factors cause stress to the lives of these migrants who are only able to find comfort in the population of other immigrants.
I would like the reader of my paper to consider all of these issues and ask why we are alienating certain populations of immigrants and if there is a way to make immigration and documentation more of a fair and equal process.   Immigrants will come to the United States whether they are legally documented or not, so what are we to do in order to protect the population of undocumented residents?

How do Central American immigrants feel about applying for visas?

In the study described in the article “Implementing the U.S. Legalization Program”, the writer describes the experience of Mayan migrant workers who are applying for amnesty in 1987. One man, Enrique describes his doubt in the system and plans to return home.


“To tell you the truth, I don’t expect to get amnesty, but I applied because I have nothing to lose from applying, but everything to lose if we don’t… The way I look at it, it’s like paying a coyote to bet me here. You know, that is what the INS is- the biggest coyote around.”


When Enrique was asked what he would do if he did receive amnesty he responded,


“I don’t expect to, but even if I did, I’d probably return home. I don’t think I will get it (temporary residence) though, because where would I get the documentation? I really haven’t thought that far ahead. Even if I did get residency, I still would eventually return home. What I really want to do is start a small business in Guatemala. I also want to return to find a wife. It gets pretty lonely here when all you do is work.”

Enrique’s doubts in the system and desire to return home is common among undocumented workers in the U.S. Others were afraid to apply for fear of being deported. The workers who have come here from Central America usually end up staying extended periods of time whether they had planned to or not. After leaving family and friends behind and spending years and decades in the U.S., migrants become disconnected from the life back home. Sending money home to their families and communication via phone, letter or email is often the only contact they have with the people they left behind.

Types of Visas

My paper explores the different types of visas and who is eligible to apply.  There are several types of visas that immigrants can apply for.  Primarily, workers  will apply for permanent or temporary residency.  Permanent residency would require a green card and temporary residency would be through a visa or refugee or asylum status.


In my paper I look specifically at the H-2A visa because it is specifically for temporary agricultural workers.  The requirements are as follows:

• The job offered must be of a temporary or seasonal nature
• The employer must demonstrate that there are not sufficient U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work
• The employer must show that the employment of H-2A workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers
• Generally, a single, valid temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor must be submitted with the H-2A petition.  (A limited exception to this requirement exists in certain “emergent circumstances.” 

(USCIS.gov “H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers”)

My argument is that this type of visa would actually disadvantage workers compared to being undocumented.  Because they are then tied to a job and employers are still able to take advantage of them because of exceptions to labor laws given to agricultural employers.

• Agricultural employers are not required to pay over-time after 40 hours
• Legal age of hire is 12
• Not required to supply health care

(Villarejo, Baron p 616-620) 

 

Push Pull Factors for Central American Migration to the U.S.

Central Americans have spread throughout the world as a result of being pushed out of their countries during a time of political and economic strife.  Migrants have left their homes in search of work as well as refuge from corrupt government and war.  A large percent of the U.S. work population had migrated to the U. S. from Central America; some have U.S. visas and others are undocumented.  I will explore the process and reasons for migration as well as the benefits and downfalls of having a U.S. visa.  Central Americans were drawn to the United States by the opportunities that northern life offers, as well as by the illusions of the “American dream”.  The American dream is a romanticized view of life in the U.S.; prosperity, equality, and a healthy happy lifestyle. 

Push factors for migration are what has in the past or is currantly pushing Central Americans away from their home country.


Push:

• War/ Corrupt Government
• Inequality
• Poverty
• Unemployment
• Violence

Pull factors for migrarion is what is pulling the migrants from Central America toward the United States.

Pull:

• Rumors of prosperity and easy living
• Employment opportunities
• Other family members already living in the U.S.
• Money to send back to family