The impact of networks and the concept of reception on asset accumulation strategies of Latino newcomers in new settlement communities in the Midwest

Includes bibliographical references.The heartland of America is experiencing unprecedented demographic changes as more Latino newcomers move to rural communities. Our goal is to understand the factors that contribute to the integration and economic contributions of Latino newcomers to the Midwest, using a sustainable livelihood strategies model to focus especially on the roles of identity, acculturation, social capital, and context of reception

Perspectives of work among Mexican Immigrants

Presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, New Orleans, August 10-13, 2006.Includes bibliographical references.In this pilot study, four Mexican immigrants who have lived in the United States from one to five years were interviewed about their experiences with work in the U.S. Interview data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods (Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997). Themes associated with their work experiences were motivation for working in U.S., barriers to working, access to working, attitudes toward work, conceptions of work, work goals and expectations, work climate, and information for others. Implications of the results for vocational psychologists and suggestions for future research are discussed

Latino newcomers in Missouri: Cultural adaptation and ethnic identity [abstract]

Abstract only availableImmigrants have slowly stopped migrating to traditional coastal states (i.e., California, Florida, New York, etc.) and have begun settling more in the Midwest (Bump, Lowell, & Pettersen, 2005). Over 120,000 Latinas/os reside in the state of Missouri, a figure that is double the amount from the 1990 census figures (Lazos & Jeanetta, 2002). The Missouri communities are faced with complicated issues that may affect the settlement of these newcomers. These issues contribute to the challenges of Latinas/os in their settling communities and include dealing with education, health care, and legal documentation (Jeanetta & Valdivia, 2007). Differences among immigrants, such as their reasons for migrating, also create a unique adaptation experience for the newcomer. This qualitative study has examined the ethnic identity and adaptation of Latina/o newcomers in a rural community in Missouri, and has assessed the relation of identity and adaptation to their settlement and integration patterns in the host community. Three Latina/o newcomers (1 female, 2 male) were interviewed in Spanish from three rural communities in Missouri. Eighteen questions were asked pertaining to the strategies they used to integrate into their communities and the factors that facilitated or impeded their economic integration. The interviews were transcribed to English and coded using Atlas.ti software. Analysis of the data identified the following themes: language, life in community, social life (networking in community), thoughts and beliefs, perceptions and experiences, settlement plans, and identity. The data is described in relations to each of these areas. The current study is important because it will supplement research conducted in the Midwest regarding Latina/o newcomers and will enable professionals within rural communities to have a better understanding of how these newcomers adapt to their new American culture.McNair Scholars Progra