In the morning we went to Casa de Migrante, a place of help for migrants that were deported on their way or in the United States. This specific Casa is one of many around Guatemala, Mexico and other central american countries. I was anxious about this mornings topic because it is the most close to me. Immigration, deportation, destruction of families, dreamers that want to study, etc. are issues talked about frequently in the U.S. and within my family and friends (and others I would not call friends). Since middle school I disagreed with deportation, or the maltreatment of migrants, and I couldn’t really explain why. I realize now that it is not just a latino issue, it is a human rights issue. Something I’ve heard repeated in Guatemala is that no one is more human than another, and the fact that migrants aren’t allowed health care, minimum wage, or even human rights that are shared by everyone else in the world. It is even a feminist issue as women (and men) face an insane amount of sexual violence and exploitation as they venture to and in the U.S. The work they usually can get (since they are most likely labeled dependent) like cleaning, child care, etc. can be low-paying and long hours.
Casa de Migrante offers food, information, lodging and transportation to help deportees get back on their feet. Most of the people there are first time deportees, who stay based on how long it takes. Globally, Carlos (the administrator of Casa) spoke about 80 % of the riches held by 20 % of the people. This poverty that 80% of the population faces is a cause of migration. Also, the lack of stable jobs can also lead to the need to migrate. I found it interesting that migrants that make it to the U.S. are called survivors. This highlights the terrible risks and conditions (economically, physically, mentally) migrants face. We were allowed to read some of the comments that people who stayed at Casa wrote, all of which were very grateful for Casa’s work. It struck me that these weren’t notes from last near, some of the letters were from last month or week.
After lunch we traveled 4 hours to Xela (I was able to successfully swallow my first pill—dramamine!!!). Xela is a smaller city, with a strong history. During our reflection we were able to collect what we learned from Guatemala city, and I feel my appreciation for the planning of this trip growing exponentially. Jenny (Grinnell Alumna who has helped us from day 1) could have easily planned a trip where we stay at the same city for our 10 days. Instead we have already visited different communities (La Puya), and can anticipate home stays and our trip to Antigua near the end.
-Amy