A Mexican Migrant’s Story
The Mexico-United States border was wide open 154 years ago when my great grandfather crossed it. Jesus Chavira was an adolescent orphan who traveled alone on horseback to Fort Davis, Texas. He left behind his native Satevo, Chihuahua, fleeing probable death.
His numerous descendants would endure racism, destitution and great economic and professional success. It took many years for Jesus to acquire a modest cattle ranch near Shafter, Texas. My grandfather was born there in 1896. Jose and his siblings received no formal education. Yet my grandfather, illiterate and ignorant of English, along with his wife, Maria, overcame daunting barriers and achieved a small degree of prosperity.
I share this story as a counterpoint to the xenophobia that has taken hold in the United States, particularly among political leaders.
Today’s migrants are not a threat. They come to work, not commit crimes. There is an alarmist sense that the nation is being overrun and, thus, in peril. The United States has for years been transforming into a browner country. There is not inherently bad.
Our nation will survive.
Ricardo Chavira Chicano 