Comments on: Central America: Immigration Stories

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:42:07 +0000

@Jose: Thank you for sharing this and adding your perspective on the situation. I agree that many immigrants in the States have to fight for making it in an environment when so much is against them – discrimination, legal issues, low pay, etc. And, it’s not that they are just fighting for their own survival, but for that of their family back home.

I also look forward to a day when politicians are able to look at themselves — and their salaries – honestly and make changes to a system that encourages high income disparity between rich and poor.

By: Jose Melgar

Jose Melgar — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:24:20 +0000

Great article. I am a middle class Guatemalan who has traveled to the States several times. When I get to a public place, be it the airport, a mall or a convention center, and I see another Guatemalan cleaning restrooms, I feel sad to see the situation has pushed them into jobs nobody wants, but they are willing to take because of their families. And that in itself makes me proud of them, because those immigrants are not asking for a better life, they are working hard to get one, they are fighting in a ring where they are not welcomed, but where they have a chance to win. From my point of view, illigal immigration should stop, but it will only decrease when politicians realize they are earning insulting salaries compared to the income of the majority of citizens in Central America, who most of the time work to survive the day.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:43:23 +0000

@Jessica: Thank you for your comment and sharing your story. It’s clear that you are not alone.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:41:55 +0000

It sadness me, because I have been to el salvador 5 times in the past 2 years, my husband is there, and basically are living the life of many more american citizen women, like my self who is going through a sparation of borders! Although I am a mexican american, i truly love central america, its people are so sweet there… thanks for sharing!

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:06:49 +0000

@Steve-
During my time in Guatemala, I did not, personally, witness any of the resentment you suggest. Instead, I observed that many were “happy for” those who had managed to improve their lot—even just a little bit. I never observed any of the “keeping up with the Jones’” mentality that is so prevalent in the U.S.

And, while, the family I lived with did have a nice, large home, it did not have indoor plumbing or indoor heating and the family often did not have sufficient money for food each week. Also, there were three married couples and their children living in the home. Hardly living like “royalty”.

I also heard stories of illegal immigrants who were murdered (for their money) right before they were to return home and many many who died at the hands of coyotes as they tried to get to the U.S. in search of “opportunity” to improve the lives of their families.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:27:42 +0000

@Steve: As Lori mentioned in her comment above, the family she stayed with in Guatemala was able to build their big house because there were relatives who worked in the United States for years. All throughout Central America you can tell which families have a connection to the States or Europe because of the house. I do imagine that in some cases it can cause resentment with neighbors who are not able to build the same type of house and lifestyle.

We also met some family members of immigrants in the United States who didn’t want us to photograph them for microfinance projects because they didn’t want their relative to find out that the money sent back wasn’t enough to support the family and they had to take a loan to build up a business. Sometimes the money sent back isn’t enough to survive. There are certainly many different and complicated immigration situations.

By: steve

steve — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:34:39 +0000

This may be true….but a lot of illegals come here for a decade or so, funneling money and material wealth back to their families who in turn, live like royalty. It would be enough to make any local envious. And make them resented in their own communities.

By: francis

francis — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:22:03 +0000

WOW-great blogsite ! Love the wonderful pictures . it’s so nice to be able to see when you can’t get there yourself-thank you !!Francis
[duplicate link removed]

By: Nora

Nora — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:49:15 +0000

This is a great look at multiculturalism with a bit of a different twist. Thanks!

By: neha

neha — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 07:23:01 +0000

what a fabulous piece! here’s hoping broken families reunite. I cannot even begin to imagine their pain. thank you for sharing this …