LATINOS AND HOUSING POLICIES

BY S.H.

I grew up in a very small county, Sullivan County, and all my life I have considered it a very close-knit community. I felt as though everyone knew each other, all the businesses were small and family owned, and everything had a good sense of fellowship and cooperation. Recently, Sullivan County has been subject to some serious gentrification. Don’t get me wrong. I am all for bringing new ideas, people and experiences into the small little county that I love. With that being said, however, I do not believe that development should be done at the expense of people’s careers, their families, and their friends. The gentrification currently happening in Sullivan County is impacting the Latino minority immensely. Many of the areas that are being bought-out, and built into casinos and water parks are being taken specifically from the Latino minority. These areas were Latino-owned restaurants, flower markets, and stores. With all the gentrification happening, the unemployment rate of the Latino population has increased greatly in Sullivan County (Data USA). However, that did not stop the people in my county (specifically in Liberty, which is where I grew up) from showing their support for the Latino community.

Henri Lefebvre is responsible for coining the term “counter-spaces.”  In his book, The Production of Space, Lefebvre defines counter spaces as “a place of enjoyment designed to thwart strategies, plans, and programs imposed from above” (Lefebvre 383). The creation of “counter-spaces” is exactly how my community decided to voice their overwhelming concerns for the gentrification of our home and the lack of concern for the Latino community. My community made a park, called Lapolt Park, as a “safe-space” for the Latino Community. “Lapolt” means “power” or “inspiration.” The park is located next to a little river, and contains picnic benches, tables, a small playground, and a small stage for entertainment purposes. Lapolt park is locating in the center of where the majority of the Latino population resides and serves as symbol to remind them that they are not alone. The park represents the unity that our community has.

Lefebvre goes on to state “the quest for a “counter-space” overwhelms the supposedly ironclad distinction between reform and revolution” and that “any proposal along these lines, even the most seemingly insignificant, shakes existing space to its foundations.” Lefebvre explains lack of action to create counter-spaces by the idea that “consumers sense that the slightest shift on their part can have boundless consequences” (Lefebvre 383-384). By creating Lapolt Park, my community created a “remedy” for all the gentrification occurring. Lapolt park was a reminder to my community of our close ties and our efforts to restore what we all call home. My community decided that these “boundless” consequences were worth it and have made the first step towards reform. Seeing my community come together and show support for one another makes me proud to be where I’m from and makes me excited to see what changes and movements are going to be next.

Works Cited

Lefebvre, Henri. The Production of Space. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2016. Print.

"Sullivan County, NY." Data USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2017. <https://datausa.io/profile/geo/sullivan-county-ny/#health>.>

LATINA/OS TAKE CENTER STAGE: CENSUS 2000

LATINO DEMOGRAPHIC EXPLOSION

BY STUDENT

Born and raised in the heart of Long Island and being a Hispanic 20 year old woman, I have witnessed enough to confirm that Long Island has been hit with a booming growth of Hispanic residents. How does this growing factor affect the lives of families already residing in Long Island? It is very clear that some areas contain a greater population of Hispanic migrants than others. Most Hispanic families come here legally from El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Guatemala according to a CUNY census study (Dept. Homeland 2005). Permanent residents and middle class workers either have a hard time accepting this change within their society, or welcome travelers with open arms. Depending on the areas, some permanent residents may be exposed to greater Hispanic populations than others. For example, if you are in the middle of Hempstead, NY or Brentwood, NY you will clearly see that the majority of the population is of Hispanic heritage. The statistics say that 1,321-4,253 persons in Brentwood are foreign born Hispanics (Urban Research 2007). Therefore, your view on the reasons why and thoughts of the families migrating to your neighborhood depend on where you live and also most likely your social status. Are you a middle-class working citizen struggling to find seasonal jobs and compete with many? Or, are you the head manager of a business looking to hire the hardest working employee willing to go for long shifts and get paid a less than reasonable amount? 

The reason I find this topic so interesting is due to the extreme variation in opinions of non-Hispanics. I personally will start of by stating my belief that Hispanics contribute most of the time positively to society. Hispanic families come here motivated to start working and to send money to families across borders with potentially little to no source of income for food, clothes, or shelter. Where is the harm in this idea? I believe that most Hispanics do not come into this country to bring drugs, crime, or any violence. Compared to all the violence committed in this country, The Hill states that immigrants commit less crime than U.S. born citizens (Bernal 2017). The Sixth Section as shown in class clearly depicts the motive for most travelers into the U.S. The Newburgh, NY situation can be attributed amongst the entire country and can account for the reasons of many families leaving their home country. Once again, depending on the area you come from, your social status and position in society, your view may vary immensely.

From the area I come from I have personally witnessed every year the Hispanic ratio increase in my middle and high school. I was not the only Hispanic girl in my class anymore by the time I reached senior year and many of my Hispanic classmates that came straight from their homelands began to assimilate. I connected with many of them and sympathized with many about life, goals, and their dreams. My white best friend’s mother works in the heart of Brentwood, NY as a radiologist. She is currently learning Spanish and not once says “you should speak English we’re in America”. She says instead, teach me. I am luckily raised around compassionate people. Unfortunately, all of Long Island isn’t like this. Therefore, barrios are formed and most Hispanics tend to stick together in their own communities where they are accepted. My hometown is luckily growing into a welcoming area for hardworking people.

Works cited

http://thehill.com/latino/324607-reports-find-that-immigrants-commit-less-crime-than-us-born-citizens

https://www.gc.cuny.edu/CUNY_GC/media/CUNY-Graduate-Center/PDF/Centers/Center%20for%20Urban%20Research/Resources/Long-Island-Civic_Engagement-Presentation---Hispanic-Immigration-and-Citizenship-on-Long-Island.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qss5P2rsFX0

"NEW" LATINA/O MIGRATION

BY STUDENT

It is not a surprise that many immigrants in the last couple of years, many whom are considered “illegal” and “undocumented”, have settled in the United States in the last couple of years. Their children whom are often born U.S. citizens make up most part of the Latino demographic of these cities that are considered urban cities. There has been a rise in counties of Virginia, West Virginia, and even the capital Washington D.C., where an influx of undocumented immigrants come to reside and work according to Audrey Singer et. al, authors of Immigrants, Politics and Local Response in Suburban Washington. The authors come to find that specifically in Prince William county in Virginia has undergone a huge population growth and dynamic change, of “illegal immigrants” and the results that have undergone in this county and plenty of other small counties within the regional United States. Why is it that residents in small counties such as Prince William County and numerous others are so threatened by the immigrant population?

It is shocking to see that Community leaders and residents organized successfully to rid themselves of “illegal” immigrants that have brought problems to their neighborhoods that include overcrowding, decrease of property value, and even a rise in ESOL (English speakers of Other Languages) in high schools. (Singer et. al, 2009, 13-15) The immigrants in this county, and in many other areas of the United States are addressed as so and not by the proper term of “undocumented” or “unauthorized”. Policies were passed that were blatantly targeted towards Latinxs, specifically undocumented immigrants, and supported by much of these counties, even forming groups such as Help Save Manassas (HSM) with the motto to “reduce the number of illegal aliens living in our community” (Singer et. al, 2009, 15) This caused outrage amongst many but no strong opposition could be formed out of fear and lack of organization. To see that a blatant act of racism that continues to happen in these small counties and cities is absurd. All with the purpose to have their “old” communities back before it was ruined by immigration or so they claim. It is even worse that it was implemented where many were arrested, and even some whom were legally present. “Of the 636 suspected unauthorized immigrants questioned in the first six months, 45 percent were released with no charges or with summonses, while fifty-four percent were arrested. Ten individuals were determined to be legally present”. (Singer et, al, 2009, 19) This was before it was then challenged and changed so that those arrested or questioned had to have reasonable doubt before being approached by authorities. These counties have faced foreclosures, economic downturns, along with high legal costs and other expenses.

This is a result of anti-immigration policies where undocumented and documented immigrants face the greater risk. Many undocumented immigrants pay taxes on houses and being detained has led to foreclosures on their homes. Plenty of legal action has been taken to fight for their cause and local residents have fought back as well. A fight that clearly continues today with a bit of hope. Corey A. Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, was a huge advocate for this policy.  “Based on a 2010 University of Virginia study show that 14,000 arrest were made in 2009 in Prince William County, six percent being illegal immigrants”. (Washington Post 2012) For a lucky few according to the Jeremy Borden, author of the article, kept their jobs and businesses while others still feel like many think they are “intruders” in their town. According to Borden, “…county statistics indicate that violent crime is dropping, …, there is a debate about how much that decline is related to the illegal-immigration crackdown”. Even with slight changes that came from this policy, immigrants continue to fight to be heard.

Works Cited

Audrey Singer, Jill H. Wilson, and Brooke DeRenzis. February 2009. "Immigrants, Politics, and Local Response in Suburban Washington." SURVEY SERIES FOR THE METROPOLITAN POLICY PROGRAM AT BROOKINGS 1-20.

Borden, Jeremy. 2012. “Latinos returning to Pr. William after immigration crackdown, but scars remain.” Washington Post.

"NEW" LATINA/O MIGRATION

HOW DO NEW LATINA/O MIGRANTS FACE CHALLENGES IN TODAY'S ECONOMY? 

BY K.N.

Latino migration to the United States has been a grueling and expansive process that has existed for decades. In this country, Latino and Latina immigrants have become a vital ingredient in the creation of “transnationalized” communities, which boost economies at the local and national levels.  However, this cultural change was not an easy transition. Even to this day, life has not gotten easier for Latina/o immigrants. How do new Latina/o migrants face challenges in today's economy? In this blogpost, I explore how Latina/os are treated in today's professional world; more specifically, the work life of Mexican Immigrants in New York City.

In New York City, Latina/o migrants have faced innumerable challenges when it comes to finding work. Latina/o immigrants have spent many mornings begging for work on street corners. In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Mexican immigrants worked on a housing project for Hassidic families, when the building collapsed after the workers ignored OSHA warnings. The scene was destroyed; many workers were severely injured and one was tragically killed. However this ignorance was not with malicious intent. Rather it was fear that if these Mexican workers spoke up to their bosses, they would be fired and traded in for another worker, who would "talk back." This tragedy, and a factory fire, among others opened the eyes of many to the “Dickensian underworld of day labor,” as explained by Mike Davis (94). Immigrants have tried to create small communities for themselves to work together and send money home. Their willingness to work long hours have made their services more appealing to other cultural communities in New York City, such as Greek restaurant owners and Korean grocers. Mexican workers demanded less money than members of the business owners’ cultures. The pattern of one worker replacing the other began, and Mexicans moved together to neighborhoods in Queens and the Bronx. 1986 US Immigration Law reform encouraged migrants to seek permanent residency. This catalyzed the rapid growth of the Latino Urban population, which unfortunately, has its opposition.

This map depicts the whereabouts of Mexican Immigrants throughout the five boroughs of New York City in 2006-2008.

The arguments against immigration stem mostly from native workers losing their jobs to immigrant workers. Although they took place in Los Angeles, the Rodney King Riots of 1992 conspired for this exact reason. The labor of African American workers was being replaced by that of Mexican immigrants, and the native workers were certainly not having it! A study of Los Angeles industry (Davis, 112-113) showed that within the five largest metropolitan areas in the United States, immigrants moved into communities established by immigrants of the same origin. These “employment niches” created the neighborhoods we now know as “Little Italy”, “Chinatown,” and “Havana on the Hudson.” Extensive and memorable contributions have been made by these communities to the cultural epicenter of the world, and my favorite place, New York City. None of this could have been done without the tireless work of immigrant labor; so, to those who worked day and night to give my city life, I thank you.

Works Cited

Davis, Mike. “Falling Down.” Magical Urbanism: Latinos Reinvent the U.S. City. New York:       Verso, 2000. 94, 109-112. Print.

Friedlander, Judith, PhD. “Foreign Born from Mexico by PUMA in New York City.” Jews and

Mexicans: Here and There. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.

LATINA/OS TAKE CENTER STAGE: CENSUS 2000

THE "HISPANIC CHALLENGE"

BY STUDENT

Latinos make up a huge part of the U.S. population. It is predicted that in the year 2050, there are going to be “135 million Hispanics” living “in the United States.” (Chavez 1). This might seem great news to some, but others see this as a threat or a challenge to the “American” culture, because Latin American immigrants are not assimilating. According to Huntington, “previous immigrants” did not have a problem assimilating into the American culture, and it seems like “the assimilation of the past are unlikely to be duplicated...” (Huntington 2). The previous immigrants were “English speakers from the British Isles...” (Huntington 4). Many say that in order to achieve the American Dream, one must learn to live like the American people and speak the English language. However, is it really necessary for Latin American immigrants to assimilate into the so-called “American culture” in order to achieve the American Dream now in the early 21^st century? In this blog post I argue that it is not necessary to assimilate, because every immigrant has a different version of the American Dream, and even if some Latin American immigrants try to assimilate into the Anglo culture, the “third border” (Davis 159) will try to stop them from achieve their ultimate American Dream.

We must look into why Latin American immigrants do not want or cannot assimilate into the American culture. The two main reasons why immigrants can’t assimilate are being they are immigrants and felling nostalgia. Immigrants are constantly being reminded “of not being wanted.” They are also the victims of “having the threat of deportation hanging over” them. (Decena, Gray 134).  The Decena and Gray article describes why immigrants come to the United States. They come to achieve their American Dream. Immigrants come to the United States looking to provide a better life for themselves and for their families, but they are not free. Yes, they might have found a job that pays them more than what they earned before arriving to the U.S., but they are “not able to organize, and, very literally not able to hang out on the street.” (Decena, Gray 134). This is a constant fear that Latin American and other immigrants have to face. They always have to hide themselves from the dominant American society. Why try to assimilate into a place where one is not welcomed? This is the reason why nostalgia starts, and it “appears to be an organizing principle for the way immigrants live.” (Decena, Gray 133). Being in a place where one is constantly being rejected by society makes one want to feel back at home. That is why traditions are kept in Latin American households, and these traditions are passed down from generation to generation. This why when the offspring of Latin American immigrants are asked what they identify as, they “simply do not appear to identify primarily with the United States.” (Huntington, 9). However, assimilating into the American culture or not, Latin Americans achieve their version of the American Dream.

Everyone, even the pilgrims on the Plymouth Rock who come to the United States (the New World for the pilgrims) came looking for a better life, for their dreams, for, later on called, the American Dream. Some immigrants want to achieve a lot, others are satisfied with what they earn. Latin American immigrants come to the United States so they can help their families back home. Helping their families is their American Dream; many even organize with other people from their hometown to help the hometown they left behind. “It is a process of becoming powerful in the context of being told to disappear.” (Decena, Gray 132). Latin American immigrants have this mentality of “I will become powerful there, where my family is. I will become powerful somehow.” (Decena, Gray 134). They did not need to assimilate. Lets look at what happens when Latin American immigrants do try to assimilate. Being Hispanic is a “problem” because the American people do not welcome us. Latin American immigrants can learn to speak English, get a degree, earn thousands of dollars like the American culture wants us to do, but they will always have that third border stopping them. “Immigrants have long complained about discriminatory housing...” Many non-Hispanic whites want to have a “Caucasian forever” environment, wanting to “limit the number of Hispanics.” (Davis 75). The third border is basically the glass ceiling for Latin American immigrants and Latin American decent. Assimilating or not assimilating, it should not be a problem because immigrants made America; America will always be the country with great opportunities. Like Huntington said it himself, “the transformation of the United States into a country like these would not necessarily be the end of the world...” (Huntington 12).

Work Cited

Chavez, Leo R. The Latino Threat: Constructing Immigrants, Citizens, and The Nation.

Stanford University Press, 2013. Print.

Davis, Mike. Magical Urbanism Latinos Reinvent the U.S. City. Verso, 2001. Print.

Decena Ulises, Carlos and Gray, Margaret. Putting Transnationalism to Work, An Interview with Filmmaker Alex Rivera. Duke University Press, 2006. Handout. 

             

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