The "Assimilation" of Unauthorized Mexican Workers: Another Social Science Fiction?

Abstract

Our research in Los Angeles on the adaptation of unauthorized Mexican workers reveals a binational life-style. Rather than giving up ties to Mexico, these workers work in the United States and maintain residences in both countries. While an assimilationist perspective would lead us to believe that extended residence would result in the acceptance of the values and practices of the United States, our research leads us to posit an alternative hypothesis: Extended residence will result in an awareness of the limited opportunities for Mexicans in the United States and an awareness of the advantages of living in both countries. Rather than study the assimilation of these Mexican workers, it would be more fruitful to study the adaptation to living in two countries.