Latin American Diaspora

Image: Group of migrants walk near Hidalgo, Mexico; 2018

The Latin American Diaspora regards the spread of Latin Americans throughout the world. This project will specifically focus on their dispersion to the United States.

Latin America has been a victim of colonization, globalization, and foreign intervention from its Northern neighbor throughout history.

The migration of Latin Americans to the United States has occurred over time due to varying circumstances.

Diaspora is defined as the movement, migration, or scattering of a people away from an established or ancestral homeland. In most cases this movement is involuntary. In some cases, diasporic communities can experience hostility and friction from their host country. (Kemper)

Image of a Guatemalan migrant and his son cross the Rio Grande in search of asylum on January 26, 2021; Herika Martinez/Getty Images

"The discourse of diaspora is a discourse about place, history, and memory, and even myth each of which also is a discourse about identity. Diasporas are the result of the many forces that displace individuals from their homeland, such as economic pressure to migrate; political, ethnic and cultural persecution; and wars." (Kemper, 84)

No one wants to leave their home. Migrants are forced to leave their homeland due to different situations and often threatening conditions. They go on a long and dangerous journey with the hope of improving their circumstances. Yet, are met with hatred as they are targeted by the government.