Best Answer
How Zamora and Nazario's Work Explores the Thesis of Inherent Illegal Migration
Introduction
The thesis of inherent illegal migration, which suggests that illegal migration is an intrinsic aspect of global migration, has been a subject of extensive debate in academic and policy circles. Two notable works that have significantly contributed to the exploration of this idea are Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco et al.'s "The Psychology of Immigration in the 21st Century" and Sonia Nazario's "Enrique's Journey: The Story of a Boy's Dangerous Odyssey to Find His Mother."
Zamora's Research on Transnational Immigrant Networks
Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco, Carola Suárez-Orozco, and Jessica O. Alvarez conducted research on transnational immigrant networks, highlighting the role of inherent illegal migration in maintaining and extending these networks. Their findings revealed that illegal migration is often used as a strategy to overcome barriers to regular migration and to facilitate the movement of family members, friends, and other community members. They argue that this form of migration is not simply a deviation from the norm but rather an integral part of the migration process.
Nazario's Narrative Account of Enrique's Journey
Sonia Nazario's "Enrique's Journey" provides a powerful narrative account of the experiences of Enrique, a young Guatemalan boy who illegally migrated to the United States to find his mother. This book vividly portrays the dangers and challenges faced by illegal migrants and exposes the systemic factors that drive such migrations. Nazario's work underscores the desperation and resilience of those who undertake illegal crossings and the motivations that lie behind them.
Factors Contributing to Inherent Illegal Migration
Both Zamora and Nazario's works identify several factors that contribute to the perpetuation of inherent illegal migration:
Economic Inequality: Economic disparities between countries create significant incentives for individuals to pursue economic opportunities elsewhere. This can lead to the formation of transnational networks and the use of illegal pathways to access these opportunities.
Political Instability: Political turmoil, violence, and persecution in certain countries force individuals to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Illegal migration can provide a means for these individuals to escape hardship and find safety.
Family Reunification: The desire to reunite with family members is a powerful motivator for illegal migration. Many individuals undertake illegal crossings to join family members who have already established themselves in other countries.
Lack of Legal Pathways: Restrictive immigration policies and limited legal pathways for migration can lead individuals to resort to illegal means of entry. This can be particularly true for individuals who do not qualify for legal status or who face lengthy application processes and high costs.
Implications and Policy Recommendations
Zamora and Nazario's works have significant implications for policy and public discourse on illegal migration. By recognizing the inherent nature of illegal migration, policymakers can develop more humane and effective approaches to address the issue. This may include investing in economic development in migrant-sending countries, providing safe and legal pathways for migration, and addressing the root causes of political instability and persecution.
Conclusion
Marcelo M. Suárez-Orozco et al.'s research and Sonia Nazario's narrative account offer valuable insights into the complexities of inherent illegal migration. Their work highlights the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon, recognizing its causes and consequences. By understanding the factors that drive illegal migration, policymakers and citizens can develop more informed and compassionate responses that address the challenges while recognizing the inherent human dignity of all migrants.
References:
Suárez-Orozco, M. M., Suárez-Orozco, C., & Alvarez, J. O. (2014). The psychology of immigration in the 21st century. National Academies Press.
Nazario, S. (2006). Enrique's journey: The story of a boy's dangerous odyssey to find his mother. Random House Trade Paperbacks.
Castles, S., de Haas, H., & Miller, M. J. (2014). The age of migration: International population movements in the modern world. Palgrave Macmillan.
Massey, D. S., & Riosmena, F. (2014). Explaining undocumented migration from Mexico to the United States. American Journal of Sociology, 119(4), 1111-1145.
Best Answer
The essay will analyze how the theme of becoming is inherent in illegal migration as portrayed in Javier Zamora's Solito and Sonia Nazario's Enrique's Journey, illustrating the transformative journey of individuals seeking a better life through migration, and the challenges they face in navigating the complexities of their identities and aspirations.
Zamora and Nazario's work delves deep into the complexities of illegal migration, shedding light on the personal struggles and societal implications of individuals embarking on such journeys. Through their vivid storytelling and intimate portrayals of migrants' experiences, both authors highlight the inherent desire for a better life that drives individuals to take immense risks and face numerous obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
Zamora's Solito immerses readers in the harrowing journey of a young boy crossing the border into the United States, capturing the raw emotions and challenges he faces along the way. The poem resonates with themes of fear, isolation, and longing for a sense of belonging, illustrating the transformative process of becoming that occurs as the protagonist navigates a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.
Similarly, Nazario's Enrique's Journey follows the perilous odyssey of a young boy named Enrique as he travels from Honduras to the United States in search of his mother. Through Enrique's story, readers are confronted with the harsh realities of illegal migration, including violence, exploitation, and separation from loved ones. The narrative highlights the resilience and determination of migrants like Enrique, who are willing to endure immense hardships in the hope of creating a better future for themselves and their families.
Overall, Zamora and Nazario's work provides a poignant exploration of the thesis of inherent illegal migration, revealing the deeply human struggles and aspirations that underlie this global phenomenon. By illuminating the personal stories of migrants and their quest for a better life, the authors challenge readers to confront the complexities of immigration and consider the implications of policies and attitudes towards those seeking refuge and opportunity.
