Why We Migrate
Stories of Mexico's Displaced
 

A Talk by Paola Gutierrez Galindo

St. James Church, Johnson City, NY
October 22, 2009

Why do millions make the unlikely decision to leave their communities to live in a country with increasing anti-immigrant hostility? Why did the number of Mexicans who made this decision more than double after the implementation of  NAFTA? Paola will untangle the complex factors that have pushed so many to abandon her community and come live among ours.

--Paola Gutierrez Galindo was born and raised in the  Mixteca region of  Oaxaca, Mexico.

--About 90% of Paola’s family has migrated north. She is the only member of her graduating class not living in the U.S.

--As a community organizer, Paola works in local indigenous communities to respond to the causes and impacts of migration.

--Paola holds a degree in indigenous law and is working on a masters degree that explores the impacts of migration on identity and family in Oaxacan indigenous communities.

Introductory Speaker: Ben Beachy
Translator: Betty Marin

Sponsors: Witness For Peace, St. James Church Justice & Peace Committee

Posted October 27, 2009

Part 2