29 of 213

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 6

or early twenties. Their knowledge of the intricacies of the work place is quite limited. When these people return to Mexico, they use the same vocabulary they acquired in the US. Since these words are from the English language, Mexicans who have never visited the US
assume that their brethren are deliberately using words unknown to them. There is a lot of friction in Mexico

between those who have lived in the US, and those who have never seen it.In the US, Mexicans have a huge chip on their shoulder. Any act by any American is looked upon with the criteria that, "The gringos hate me and exploit me. If this gringo asks me to do something, he will no doubt pay me below regular wages. I am being exploited by the powers that be here."

Clearly, the Mexican immigrant to the US feels a constant threat from the government, society and life in general. They know that the "migra," or ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, could deport them at any moment. They realize that their lack of knowledge of the English language is a great impairment for future growth and success. Their ignorance of American's mores and customs is another great hindrance to their advancement in society. I remember in 1984, having just arrived back here from Mexico, I sent my Chilanga wife, or Mexico City-born wife, to the store to by a can of coke. She came back with a can of diet, decaffeinated coke. I immediately realized that there was much she needed to learn about the differences between Mexican life and American life.

But the undocumented worker has adapted quite well here in the US. They have managed to secure jobs making anywhere from five to fifty times what they would be paid in Mexico. Although they realize that they are being exploited here by US standards, they also realize that they have a greater opportunity here to create wealth they could later translate into an easier retirement back in Mexico. They also look at their life in the US
as a chance to give their children the benefits of knowing the English language as well as Spanish. They know full well that the global business language is still English and the ability to speak it fluently enhances anyone's chances around the world. As an example of this, I remember helping the company I worked, Clemex, for in Mexico
prepare a proposal to another company in Mexico. The company I worked for was a French-Mexican, multi-national corporation providing metallurgical manufacturing for the petro-chemical industries. The proposal was actually

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Views on illegal immigration in the US?
We want to hear your view. Write now!