Teresa talks of the "dead-end aspect of living in the States" That "They get nothing and they work very hard for whatever they do get." and "they never achieve the dream they were promised." I believe what she says is true in SO many cases, and of course there has ALWAYS been the overlying threat, the fear of deportation under any administration. However, I believe she paints the outcomes with a too negative brush. Having worked with adult immigrants from Mexico for over 20 years, I saw a huge amount of success here on California's central coast. Our immigrants work their hearts out, not just in the fields or restaurants, or other menial, unskilled jobs, but in the trades (road building, carpentry, plumbing, etc), in business, in retail, in medical positions and care-giving, etc. They work so hard, they learn English, they attain their citizenship and they do better their lives and the lives of their children. They have the opportunity to become very successful, but ALWAYS under the threat of ICE. In some eras more than others. Thank you, Sue, for opening this topic.
I also saw success with my ESL learners in Truckee, which has a sizeable Hispanic community. That town relies heavily upon seasonal workers from all over the world because the locals are too busy skiing. Even the checkers at Longs are recruited through a program from eastern Europe. Kids come up from the southern hemisphere to work in the ski resorts.
An enlightening piece, Sue. I am far more focused on the stories of our immigrants these days, as I see how our government has put them in a precarious situation, not just now, but for so many, for so long. I know this is the “land of opportunity” but prejudices still hold us back from being the complete, rich blend of cultures that we could be. It is both heartbreaking and infuriating. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece.
Teresa talks of the "dead-end aspect of living in the States" That "They get nothing and they work very hard for whatever they do get." and "they never achieve the dream they were promised." I believe what she says is true in SO many cases, and of course there has ALWAYS been the overlying threat, the fear of deportation under any administration. However, I believe she paints the outcomes with a too negative brush. Having worked with adult immigrants from Mexico for over 20 years, I saw a huge amount of success here on California's central coast. Our immigrants work their hearts out, not just in the fields or restaurants, or other menial, unskilled jobs, but in the trades (road building, carpentry, plumbing, etc), in business, in retail, in medical positions and care-giving, etc. They work so hard, they learn English, they attain their citizenship and they do better their lives and the lives of their children. They have the opportunity to become very successful, but ALWAYS under the threat of ICE. In some eras more than others. Thank you, Sue, for opening this topic.
I also saw success with my ESL learners in Truckee, which has a sizeable Hispanic community. That town relies heavily upon seasonal workers from all over the world because the locals are too busy skiing. Even the checkers at Longs are recruited through a program from eastern Europe. Kids come up from the southern hemisphere to work in the ski resorts.
That calls to mind The Bracero Program in California 1940s-1960. Mexican laborers RECRUITED by our government.
The US. Govt is very good at enslaving people. Just look at our tax code.
Don't get me started. You KNOW how I get.
Yes. Sorry. I just bought some mocha fudge ice cream to take the edge off...
🤣
An enlightening piece, Sue. I am far more focused on the stories of our immigrants these days, as I see how our government has put them in a precarious situation, not just now, but for so many, for so long. I know this is the “land of opportunity” but prejudices still hold us back from being the complete, rich blend of cultures that we could be. It is both heartbreaking and infuriating. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece.
Thank you, Sharon.
Thank you for sharing this story, Sue. Very informative and heart-touching.
Thank you, Linda. It was one of those chance conversations that give a glimpse into the heart of a very important issue that is often skewed by media.