Resources on Border Policies

[Brosa Luxemburg]

So I was wondering if anyone had any good resources on the history of border policies between the US and Latin America, on open borders, on Operation Streamline, on the Border Patrol, deportation, and things of that nature in general.

[Bala Perdida]

I really wish I had some links or works to recommend. What I can tell you is that border patrol is, from stories I've heard, a violent police branch. That security has drastically increased within the last decade. That a lot of latino people join border patrol like they join the army, but they shouldn't be sympathized with. They are very much reactionaries enforcing racist policies. A lot of people who cross on land are central americans. Such central americans will often say they are mexican to avoid getting deported further from the border.
Onto mexico, they have a brutal immigration policy. It is often illegal in parts of mexico to help immigrants. Deportation is always a brutal process, here and there. Many central americans die going through mexico, and the US has made the immigration policies in mexico much more brutal in order to avoid dealing with the problem themselves.
Today, and in the past, there's been a lot of immigration reforms to help people get us citizenship. However, it is important to note that the reforms are highly restrictive so they basically die out after half a generation of people are naturalized. Also, with every reform comes further restrictions on immigration. Recently the dream act was passed, but at the same time the border was more heavily militarized and penalties for 'illegal immigration' were intensified. All of this was approved by the populist hispanic fish netting democratic party.

On immigrants from south america. Most of them come to the US as middle class people, given the geographical boundaries of the continent and the cost of flying. So only upper class south americans can afford to come here most of the time. In other cases, poor south americans travel to mexico first and then follow the route from the ground. Very few travel by ground through central america.
Given the economic status, many south americans in the US are petit bourgeois or work for corporations. Those who are not wealthy, such as many peruvians in california, assimilate with the local hispanic ghettos and are often discriminated against for their culture and nationality. Such as mexicans discriminating salvadorans.
Carribian people vary. Haitians and Dominicans suffer heavily, and reach the US painfully by water. Puerto Ricans often save money to get to the US, but in many areas face povery. Although getting there is easier since they've been granted US citizenship. Everyone's favorite Cubans today, also often make it by boat like their Hispaniola counter parts. However when they get to the US they are given a warm welcome in spite of Cuba. They are often very reactionary, given their decent from Cuba and praise in the US. Today they are allied with rich Venezuelans in the US. Since the rich ones can get here most easily.

Sorry for the lengthy post. It's based off personal experience, but I hope it helps. Also sorry I couldn't get any books or texts for you. Maybe later I'll get some for you.

[Brosa Luxemburg]

Bump.