Latin Journey: Cuban and Mexican Immigrants in the United States.

Abstract

This in-depth study of the migration process is primarily concerned with recent Cuban and Mexican immigration into the United States. A theoretical overview of labor migration and a historical survey of immigration to the United States from 1890 to 1979 are first presented. The political and socioeconomic circumstances confronting the Mexicans and the Cubans in their home countries prior to migration are contrasted. Information is presented concerning place of residence social adaptation labor market participation and income for the two immigrant groups. These data are from interviews conducted at the time of the immigrants arrival in 1973 again in 1976 and finally in 1979. Detailed empirical findings are presented in 111 tables and an appendix. Particular attention is given to the Cuban enclave in Miami the economic and occupational mobility of Mexican immigrants immigrants perceptions of the United States and the social relationships of immigrants. Finally the theoretical and practical implications of the major trends observed in this study are summarized.