Borderlands: Immigration: A Way of Life in Aguacatán

Today I went to Aguacatán for the first time. I caught a microbus in the morning and made my way up the mountains. I was so curious to finally see this town of approximately 40,000 people that I’ve been researching for the last 10 months. People from Aguacatán are called Agaucatecos and there are many in the United States due to a depleting economy and dire agricultural industry. I have met families from Aguacatán in Bellingham and I plan to meet their relatives still living in Aguacatán next month. There are about 250 people from Aguacatán in Bellingham! Aguacatecos have also congregated in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Morganton, North Carolina, and Miami, Florida. At one point, Aguacatán thrived on its’ garlic and onion production which was heavily exported. Today, farmers can hardly afford to pay for the fertilizers and machines to maintain their land. Men have left Aguacatán in hopes of making a better life for their children. However, far too often the story is one where men do not return. Children without fathers suffer the consequences.

Yesterday I met Cecilia Solis and her son, Carlos. I will be living with them next month while I interview women for my research project. Her husband actually lived in the United States for two years when Carlos was about seven years old. She said it was very difficult and that she is thankful that her husband returned. They do not make a lot of money in Guatemala but they are together.

Cecilia said there are kids in Carlos’ class whose fathers live in the United States. Sometimes the children end up staying with relatives as well and eating junk food since the family can’t cook for more people. She told me about a man in Aguacatán who apparently owns about half the town including two large “box stores” that sell items at cheaper prices so small stores like the one she owns suffer. This person made money because he runs a coyote business. Coyotes are the people who migrant workers pay to get them across the border illegally. Cecilia told me that about once a month men congregate in the center of town and pay off the coyotes. They cram into a large truck and make the risky journey to the United States. And men leave like this every month. Meanwhile, women, children and friends wait for news on their safety. But often this does not come for weeks if not months. Immigration is a reality and necessity for Aguacatecos.