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Independent Mexican Teenage Migrants: Pathways of Survival and Social Integration

Jacques Bell

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Published in Becoming Transnational Youth Workers: Independent Mexican Teenage Migrants And Pathways Of Survival And Social Mobility (Latinidad: Transnational Cultures In The United States)

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The migration of unaccompanied minors from Central America and Mexico to the United States has become a pressing humanitarian issue. These young people often face extreme hardship and danger during their journeys, and once they arrive in the United States they are often vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Despite these challenges, many independent Mexican teenage migrants are determined to build new lives for themselves. They often demonstrate remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in their efforts to survive and integrate into society.

Becoming Transnational Youth Workers: Independent Mexican Teenage Migrants and Pathways of Survival and Social Mobility (Latinidad: Transnational Cultures in the United States)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This article explores the experiences of independent Mexican teenage migrants who have made the perilous journey to the United States. It examines the challenges they face, the strategies they employ to survive and integrate into society, and the factors that influence their long-term outcomes. The article draws on research conducted in Tijuana, Mexico, and Los Angeles, California, and presents a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of this vulnerable population.

Challenges Faced by Independent Mexican Teenage Migrants

Independent Mexican teenage migrants face a number of challenges, including:

Poverty and economic hardship: Many independent Mexican teenage migrants come from poor families and have limited access to education and employment opportunities. This makes it difficult for them to support themselves and secure stable housing.
Language barriers: Most independent Mexican teenage migrants do not speak English, which can make it difficult for them to communicate with others and access services.
Legal status: Many independent Mexican teenage migrants are undocumented, which means they are at risk of deportation and have limited access to public benefits.
Discrimination: Independent Mexican teenage migrants often face discrimination from both Mexican and American society. They may be stereotyped as criminals or gang members, and they may be denied access to services or opportunities.
Violence: Independent Mexican teenage migrants are often at risk of violence, both from other migrants and from criminals. They may be extorted, robbed, or assaulted.

Strategies for Survival and Integration

Despite the challenges they face, independent Mexican teenage migrants often develop effective strategies for survival and integration. These strategies include:

Building social networks: Independent Mexican teenage migrants often rely on friends, family, and other migrants for support. They may form informal networks that provide them with housing, food, and other resources.
Working in the informal economy: Many independent Mexican teenage migrants work in the informal economy, which includes jobs that are not regulated or taxed by the government. This allows them to earn money without having to worry about their legal status.
Pursuing education: Some independent Mexican teenage migrants are able to attend school, which can help them to improve their English skills and job prospects.
Seeking legal status: Some independent Mexican teenage migrants are able to obtain legal status in the United States. This can give them access to more opportunities and benefits.

Factors Influencing Long-Term Outcomes

The long-term outcomes of independent Mexican teenage migrants are influenced by a number of factors, including:

Age at migration: Younger migrants are more likely to face challenges and have poorer outcomes than older migrants.
Gender: Female migrants are more likely to face violence and exploitation than male migrants.
Education level: Migrants with higher levels of education are more likely to find stable employment and earn higher wages.
Legal status: Migrants with legal status are more likely to access education, healthcare, and other services.
Social support: Migrants with strong social networks are more likely to have positive outcomes.

Independent Mexican teenage migrants face a number of challenges as they attempt to survive and integrate into American society. However, many of these young people are resilient and resourceful, and they are able to develop effective strategies for coping with adversity. The long-term outcomes of independent Mexican teenage migrants are influenced by a number of factors, including age at migration, gender, education level, legal status, and social support. It is important to provide these young people with the support they need to succeed.

References

Batalova, J., & Lanuza, N. (2018). The journey of independent migrant youth: A qualitative study of pathways to success and challenges. Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies, 16(1),1-21.
Davenport, C. (2018). Unaccompanied: The perilous journeys and courageous lives of immigrant children. North Carolina: One World.
Gonzales, R., & Chavez, L. (2016). Undocumented immigrant youth: Emerging adults in the United States. Annual Review of Sociology, 42, 439-462.
Hagan, J., & Fuligni, A. (2016). The pathways to successful development of unaccompanied immigrant youth. Child Development, 87(5),1541-1557.
Menjívar, C. (2014). Liminal legality: Salvadoran and Guatemalan immigrant youth come of age in California. Oakland, CA: University of California Press.

Becoming Transnational Youth Workers: Independent Mexican Teenage Migrants and Pathways of Survival and Social Mobility (Latinidad: Transnational Cultures in the United States)

5 out of 5