Although most Hispanics in the US are from Mexico (or have parents from Mexico), in Montgomery County they are much more likely to be from Central America (or have parents from there). The table below shows 2010 Census data on the Hispanic share of the population, and the percentage of that share by place of origin, for MOCO, Maryland, and the US.
To understand how unaccompanied minors from Central America got here let's break it down into push and pull factors. Push factors explain why a person leaves a place. Pull factors explain why they go where they go.
THE PUSH
In Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala--the 3 countries where the overwhelming majority of kids are coming from--gangs are a ubiquitous menace. Central American gangs aren't like gangs in the US who control relatively small turf in poor neighborhoods. These gangs are much bigger. In some places the control entire towns; in others they control multiple neighborhoods as well as major streets and highways. Sure, if you are a rich person in these countries you can afford to (mostly) cocoon yourself. You can hire a private security detail, live in a gated community with armed guards, and confine yourself to high end areas that are well policed by private forces.
Everybody else is left at the mercy of gangs. And, since most of these countries don't have sizable middle classes, 'everybody else' constitutes a majority of the population.
So, what are Central American gangs like? Well, you can always check out the think tank accounts (see here and here), but let me break it down in simple terms. Most gang members are young men, many of them teenagers. All teenagers have poor impulse control. These teenagers also have high caliber weapons and follow the creed that power is key and dominance is power.
If you are a parent or caregiver this is terrifying because it means that your kids can be roughed up, raped, or beaten unconscious by local gang members simply throwing their weight around. Even worse, your kids could be forced to join a gang and become one of the monsters themselves.
If you are a kid, this is terrifying AND confusing. The adults, who are supposed to be in charge, can't protect you because it's the teenagers running the show.
As a parent, my first instinct would be to get my kid out of that mix STAT! If I was living with them, we'd head out together. If I was in the US, I'd hire a coyote (a smuggler) to get them to me.
THE PULL:
Why come to MOCO? Many unaccompanied minors come to the US to be with their parents, who often work here without papers. MOCO has a higher than average concentration of Central Americans, so it's not surprising that there are reunions happening here and in other parts of the DMV.
Since this issue first hit the news, I've heard people ask "why would a parent ever leave their kids behind in the first place?" There's usually a hint of judgement behind the question, but there's also genuine curiosity. Well, let's start with the fact that there aren't nearly enough jobs to go around. And, then, even if you get a job, it is likely to be minimum wage. Central American minimum wages are abysmal (here they are just crappy). They are not enough to cover basic food staples. So, these parents leave for work, but the calculus is more than economic. If you need money for food for your kids, you're talking about survival.
I've also heard people ask the flip side of this question--why would you ever let your kid travel through Mexico unattended? The trip is truly hazardous. Everyone wants a mordida (a bribe) from migrants, and some want more than that (sexual favors, material belongings, forced labor). In light of this, people often think--"they must be mad for encouraging their kids do that." The thing is, the dangers aside, the trip opens up a light at the end of the tunnel. If you make it, things will get better. Staying behind is like accepting a tunnel with no end, no light.
When the kids come here they are, in a sense, coming home. For them, home is with family members in a safe space. We are that, at least by comparison. Yes, deportation looms, and we have our own gangs here too. But, at least for a short while, they can take a breath. And, exhale.
I hope we give them the space and sanctuary to do just that for as long as they need to.
But is the DMV really home for them? They come to live with parents and family members they do not know because their parents left these kids behind with caregivers (grandma/grandpa, uncles/aunts, etc) when they were just babies.
ReplyDeleteBut reading more about these gangs, it is scary. They make the Bloods and Crips look like kids on the playground. It is very sad. But I think you mentioned something that explains this gang problem: there is basically no middle class in these countries. That's what needs to be modified. Unfortunately, with the upper class being sheltered, there is no incentive for governments to do anything about the gaps in classes.
this whole thing is fascinating and sad at the same time. Thanks for the post!