Migrant Voices: Producers from Guatemala Face Harsh Realities in the United States (Part Two)

We previously shared the difficulties that coffee producers migrating to the U.S. often encounter, both in their home countries and in their new homes in the States. Today, we continue the conversation with a one-on-one interview with an undocumented immigrant, who will remain anonymous.

BY MELINA DEVONEY
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Featured photo by José Ramos

The Trump Administration’s anti-immigration policies have caused unimaginably sweeping unrest since I interviewed Gustavo this past summer for Part One of this article series.

Gustavo lives and works in Tennessee, the state ranked 5th for ICE arrests per capita, according to the Prison Policy Initiative’s most recent data. 

According to the American Immigration Council, about 6.1% of Tennessee’s residents are foreign-born and 36.4% of immigrants in the state are undocumented. Needless to say, many Tennesseans have been living with heightened fear of deportation for nearly half a year. 

I’ve stayed in touch with Gustavo, whose last name we have omitted in order to protect his identity. He agreed to share more about his experience over the last few months as an undocumented immigrant. (Editor’s note: This interview has been translated from Spanish.)

Melina Devoney: You mentioned that you’ve been hearing of ICE raids happening nearby in Tennessee. Has your situation changed at all since we last talked? Has your employment or pay changed because of the ICE raids? 

Gustavo: In general, I’ve been good, working like always in order to bring home food. I’m still working in construction with the same salary. What has changed is sometimes we don’t go to work because there are ICE raids. Right now, I’m resting at home waiting until the ICE raids calm down a little bit before returning to work soon.

Given all of the above, I’m curious if your views of the U.S. have changed since moving here.   

Yes, they have changed a lot. When I moved here, everything was cheaper. Now, everything is more expensive, and prices are higher for everything. 

Would you have made a different decision to come to the U.S. knowing what you know now? 

If I had known what I know now living in the U.S., I would have never come–I would have explored other options or opportunities.  

I think many Americans haven’t taken time to understand why migrants feel the need to come to the U.S. “illegally.” What prevented you from coming here legally? What challenges do migrants face in coming to the U.S legally?

Many factors. You need a lot of money to obtain a work visa. Applying for work visas frequently results in getting scammed by people saying they’ll carry out the application process.  

It goes without saying, but migrants don’t leave their value and skills behind when they leave their homeland. What do you think you personally contribute to our country, and, in your opinion, why are migrants vital to the way America runs?

I contribute economically through taxes and help fill the shortage in construction labor. Immigrants offer a labor force, frequently in agriculture and construction. We like to be entrepreneurs, driving innovation and creating new jobs for our migrant brothers and sisters. 

The Trump Administration’s rhetoric regarding immigrants has been quite the opposite. If you could say anything to them, what would it be? 

To focus more on the well-being of the people and (to handle) the American economy better. Also, they could benefit immigrants through policies that facilitate obtaining legal status in this country. 

Without the support of the government, have you received support from friends, neighbors, your employer or organizations during the ICE raids? 

No, I have never received support from anyone. I support my family’s expenses with what I earn at work.

If the U.S. became worse for migrants, do you have any dreams for a better future left? 

If the situation in the U.S. continues like this, I will give up the “American Dream” for good. My only dream for the future would be to return to my country and work arduously to keep on living. 

You wouldn’t consider moving to another country? 

For now, I have not thought about moving. I want to stay here, (so I’m) waiting for all of this to pass. I’d like this country to return to normalcy once again. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melina Devoney (she/her) is a barista and freelance writer in Los Angeles zeroed in on coffee and agriculture. She aims to amplify the voices of farmers and a diversity of perspectives within the coffee industry, and she’s happiest when running on wooded trails and dancing at concerts.

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