Probably, very soon there will be an Immigration Reform. For a small percentage of Latinos may come a major change, opening a path within the law. For the vast majority who were born and live here, may be the ideal opportunity to strengthen their role in the United States. However, despite the dramatic increase in deportations and the bloody history on the border, the existence of “the other Mexico” is already a reality. And as in all previous waves of immigrants who created this country, they are also going towards integration, with or without reform.
As in California, an entity in which from next month will be more Hispanics than whites – every day there are more families of Mexican descent achieving their own American dream. For example in agriculture, it is no exaggeration to say that virtually no food a person puts in her/his mouth that has not gone through the hands of a Mexican worker.
In this, our June issue, you can read here how Regardless of what Washington D.C. and its political calculations finally determined, the fact is that immigrant labor is already an integral part of this national economic order. At least in agriculture, construction, hospitality and all service sectors in general. That’s, for starters.
Despite his pro-immigrant rhetoric, the Obama administration has broken all records in terms of deportations. At the current very soon surpass 2 million immigrants deported during the eight years of the previous government. Although the arrival of migrants from the south today has fallen considerably –there are nearly 2 million Mexicans less than in 2007 – the common border is increasingly dangerous: the number of people who die trying to cross is growing. In other words, with a friendly attitude, Obama has been tougher than anyone.
First came the Germans, the Swedish, the British, Irish, , Italians, Jews; now is the time for the Mexicans. With a population of 33.7 million people (11 million born in Mexico and just over 22 million born here), Mexicans are now the main face of the immigration issue.
With an annual purchasing power of about 800 billion dollars (three quarters of the $ 1.2 trillion of the 54 million Latinos) and an average age well below the rest of the local society, 27 years overall (17 for born here and 38 for immigrants), the vast majority of Mexicans have already won their place in this country.
Better integrating to their new reality and at the same time strengthening their cultural roots, the Mexicans are clearly a positive force for this nation. While in the little world inside the Beltway federal lawmakers act thinking about the next election and not the next generation, Latino immigrants continue to move forward to earn better positions in all fields. Soon we will know if the legal system conforms with reality, or keeps everybody in denial. As always, lets hope for the best.
Meanwhile, enjoy our magazine, the stories about your closest worries (health, beauty, fun), best opportunities (money, job), and most important challenges (your family, your education) share it with others (many if you please) and let us know what else do you do want for the next month.
May 2013
