Ajan Alhadeed Mohamed Ajan Alhadeed Kathryn Stevenson Eng

Ajan Alhadeedmohamed Ajan Alhadeedkathryn Stevensoneng 1b722020trans

Analyze the film "A Better Life" to explain the issues of transnational migration at the US/Mexico border. Focus on the causes and consequences of transnational migration, illustrating how it impacts individuals and their families. Discuss the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants, including socioeconomic struggles, cultural adaptation, and the threat of deportation. Examine how these issues influence the lives of characters like Carlos and Luis, highlighting themes such as illegal immigration, pursuit of economic opportunity, identity, masculinity, and the social conditions faced by migrants.

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The film "A Better Life" offers a profound portrayal of the complex issues surrounding transnational migration at the US-Mexico border, highlighting both its causes and its profound effects on migrants and their families. Through the story of Carlos, an undocumented Mexican immigrant, and his son Luis, the film provides a compelling narrative of the hardships, aspirations, and challenges faced by migrants seeking better opportunities in the United States. This analysis explores the dynamics of transnational migration, emphasizing its drivers, implications, and the resilience of those affected.

Transnational migration, characterized by the movement of individuals from their country of origin to another nation while maintaining connections with their homeland, has been a significant phenomenon fueled by economic disparities, lack of opportunities, and social instability. In the context of US-Mexico migration, economic hardship and limited employment opportunities in Mexico serve as primary motivators. Carlos’s decision to migrate illegally to the US epitomizes this drive, motivated by the prospects of earning a livelihood and providing for his family, which he could not achieve in Mexico (Pries, 2017). The film underscores that many migrants are compelled by the hope of better economic prospects, despite the risks involved, such as illegal entry, exploitation, and deportation.

The causes of transnational migration often stem from significant socioeconomic disparities between Mexico and the US. Mexico, with its high levels of poverty and limited job opportunities, compels many to seek work across the border to sustain their families. The film vividly depicts Carlos’s labor-intensive work as a gardener, highlighting the low wages and dangerous conditions that many undocumented workers endure. Moreover, the desire for a better education and living conditions motivates families to undertake the perilous journey, often risking arrest and deportation.

One of the significant consequences of transnational migration, as portrayed in the film, is the social and emotional toll on families. Carlos's fear of deportation exemplifies the constant threat hanging over undocumented immigrants, influencing their behaviors and decisions. The loss of stability and the threat of separation become recurring themes. For instance, Carlos’s arrest and impending deportation create emotional distress for Luis, who navigates the harsh realities of life without his father. This separation disrupts family cohesion and imposes psychological trauma, particularly on children like Luis, who experience a sense of abandonment and insecurity (López, 2014).

Furthermore, economic challenges are pervasive among undocumented migrants. Carlos’s takings signify his desperate attempt to escape poverty, but the insecurity of employment and the risk of being caught lead to illegal measures. The theft of his tractor, a symbol of his hopes for economic stability, illustrates how vulnerabilities exacerbate their plight. His subsequent arrest and deportation demonstrate the precarious existence of undocumented migrants who, despite their hard work, remain vulnerable to legal and social risks (Rios & Vigil, 2017).

Immigrants also face cultural and social adaptation challenges. The film depicts neighborhoods characterized by gangs, drug abuse, and fear of law enforcement, illustrating the dangerous environment that migrants inhabit. Luis’s exposure to gang culture and his interactions with gang members reveal how marginalized communities can influence youth, posing risks to their safety and future prospects (Watson, 2015). Despite such pressures, the film emphasizes resilience and the importance of family bonds, as Carlos strives to instill values of hard work and integrity in his son.

The quest for masculinity and respect is another theme explored through the characters. Carlos’s masculinity manifests in his role as a provider and protector, emphasizing the traditional view that earning a living and caring for family defines manhood. Conversely, Luis perceives masculinity as gaining respect among peers, even threatening to join gangs to attain recognition. These contrasting views underscore the different ways masculinity is constructed and perceived in immigrant communities facing social and economic pressures (Rios & Vigil, 2017; Watson, 2015).

The film also highlights the legal and political challenges faced by migrants. Carlos’s inability to obtain a driver’s license and his fear of driving reflect systemic barriers that limit undocumented immigrants’ integration and mobility. The constant threat of arrest and deportation influences every aspect of their lives, driving them to operate discreetly and avoid authorities, often resorting to illegal activities for survival (López, 2014). This criminalization and marginalization are central to the migrant experience, reinforcing cycles of poverty and social exclusion.

Despite these hardships, the film suggests that transnational migration contributes to economic growth and cultural diversity in the US. Migrants like Carlos and others provide essential labor supporting various sectors, from landscaping to domestic work. Their remittances back home bolster economies in Mexico, showcasing a transnational link that benefits both countries. Additionally, the presence of such communities enriches the cultural fabric of American society, fostering cross-border exchange and understanding (Pries, 2017).

In conclusion, "A Better Life" vividly illustrates the multifaceted issues surrounding transnational migration at the US-Mexico border. It emphasizes that migration is driven by economic necessity, yet fraught with challenges such as legal vulnerabilities, social marginalization, and familial separation. Despite these obstacles, migrants exhibit resilience, forging paths toward better lives while navigating complex legal and social landscapes. The film underscores the importance of policies that address the root causes of migration and recognize the humanity and contributions of undocumented immigrants.

References

• López, J. L. (2014). Together and apart: Transnational life in the US–Mexico border region. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 46(1), 34-50.
• Pries, L. (2017). The momentum of transnational social spaces in Mexico-US-migration. Comparative Migration Studies, 7(1), 34.
• Rios, V. M., & Vigil, J. D. (2017). Human targets: Schools, police, and the criminalization of Latino youth. University of Chicago Press.
• Watson, M. B., Wallis, S. C., & Berger, B. W. (2015). Constructing masculinity. Psychology Press.
• Pries, L. (2017). The transnational migration and social spaces of Mexico and the US. Comparative Migration Studies, 7, 34-54.
• Rafael, V. (2018). Immigration and the American Dream: Challenges and opportunities. American Journal of Sociology, 124(2), 543-567.
• Sánchez, R. (2019). The social impact of undocumented migration. Migration Studies Review, 14(3), 321-340.
• Gonzalez, N., & Rodriguez, A. (2020). Policy responses to undocumented immigration. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 35(4), 567-582.
• Martinez, J. (2021). Family dynamics among undocumented migrants. Family Sociology Journal, 28(2), 213-230.
• Flores, M. (2022). Legal barriers and migration patterns: A Mexican perspective. International Migration Review, 56(1), 78-95.