I am like the number 2.
I have 2 cultures
and I speak 2 languages.
I do not know why they don’t like me.
It’s not my fault to be Chicana.
It’s not my fault to know 2 languages that
open more doors.
When all I am doing is trying to be happy.
Please don’t try to close a door on me.
I have 2 of everything I need and
I do not want more than what I expect which isn’t very much.
I am 2 and
I don’t regret it.
I am proud because
I have 2 cultures,
I know 2 languages and
I like my 2 countries.
That’s why
I am,
Want to be,
and will always be
2.
-Diane Martinez
Over the last 2 decades, there has been a shift in international practices as they relate to the patterns of migrant waves from Mexico. In the past, immigration policies, market forces, and social practices in both the United States and Mexico did not support long-term integration of the Mexican immigrant. The waves of immigrants came in search of temporary work, only to return to Mexico once sufficient money was made and the economic strain on the family at home was lessened.
There is now new data that suggests a larger movement of Mexican immigrants that stay to make money and to settle permanently in the United States. One reason for this is a current border control campaign that is spending an unprecedented amount of money to impede the surge at the border. The 2 billion dollars allocated towards this cause has resulted in larger numbers of immigrants remaining here, and fewer numbers trying to cross. According to a Chronicle report, “the number of Mexicans caught trying to cross the border illegally has fallen to levels not seen since the early 1990’s.” To read this article go to: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle.archive/2002/05/24/MN151222.DTL
In addition, crossing the border has become more of a dangerous and costly journey. In the summer of 2001, 14 Mexican immigrants died in the Arizona desert on their way to the North. These tragic stories, along with heightened land and air patrolling since September 11th, have resulted in a considerable lowering of the migration numbers.
Though economic and political factors are discouraging some from attempting to cross, there are many that are able to benefit from relatives that have taken up permanent residence in the United States. This is evidenced in the considerable increase in money being sent back home to families in Mexico. In an article recently published in The Chronicle, estimates are that in 2001, 9.273 billion was sent south compared to 700 million in 1980. To read this article go to
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/05/14/BU91317.DTL
For more information on Mexican immigration go to: