Journey A Los USA: Migration Dynamics and United States Policy

U.S. policies, economic interests, and their intersection in international relations have had severe implications on transnational migration and significant impacts upon the resettlement of Guatemalans, many of whom embark on migration journeys as irregular migrants to the United States. These journeys for hopeful change continue to be challenged not only by the acculturation process of resettlement, but also by U.S. immigration and immigrant policies. Though immigrants like Pedro Xep experience unimaginable struggles in migration (personal communication, February 1, 2009), they gracefully exemplify a spirit of optimism, resilience, and determination that can bring hope and inspiration to social workers and immigrants' rights advocates.