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 Paolas 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

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Witness for Peace
• Betty Marin
• Paola Gutierrez Galindo
• Ben Beachy
• Mexico
• Oaxaca
• migration
• immigration
• social justice