An Outlook on Chicano Amigos on the Eve of Mexican Independence Day

Ever since I came to U.S. in 2015, one group was always in the notice with their presence. They are Mexican Americans or the people who predominantly speak Spanish in U.S. While I had never been too close to any of those persons, I interacted with quite a few in day-to-day activities. Even though I was never closer to them, I live close to them in my spirits, thoughts and even neighborhood. One thing which is quite evident is they are industrious and hard-working lot and fill up that space in U.S. Most of the Mexicans are employed in those tough jobs and they build this nation by being important building blocks. They had single handedly made life easy for many Americans and Indian Americans. By offering their backdrop towards cultural enrichment of U.S., bringing along an important dimension, they form a definite set of people who will sustain America. On the eve of the Mexican Independence Day on 16th September, I would put together few facts around these people who silently perform the duties, becoming an important fuel in running the nation. As I had never spoken about this set of people ever, this becomes my first attempt to shed the limelight on this people who form significant numbers in U.S. Working in U.S. and working on U.S. can never minus Mexican Americans. They need to be counted for any work in this country. Here goes my write-up on these people who form the biggest minority group in U.S. 

U.S., as we know is mostly white and black. If there is a third dimension, it is the people who speak Spanish or people who are from Mexican heritage. As of recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, about 62.1 million Hispanic or Latino individuals live in the United States, making up roughly 19% of the total U.S. population. This makes them the second largest racial or ethnic group in the country, following the White alone. Out of this, those of Mexican heritage account for approximately 61%, or around 37.2 million people, making them the largest group of Hispanic or Latino origin in the country. This population represents about 11.3% of the total U.S. population. For all the noise we make about migrating to U.S., Indians make up a mere 1.3% of U.S. population. From the eyes of a typical foreigner in U.S. like me, for every 1 Indian we can find 10 Mexicans. Talking about their numbers, the city Aurora where I was currently living has 42.35% Hispanic population. The majority are from Mexican origin, making up 87.21% of total Hispanic population in this city. As you can see, nearly one in every two living in my present city, Aurora is from Mexican heritage. This is the strength of this important community which bring a lot to the U.S. table and to my table as well. So far, it was good living with this people in my neighborhood. 

The deep historical ties between Mexico and the United States date back to the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which resulted in Mexico ceding a significant portion of its northern territories, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The people living in those regions became U.S. citizens, marking the start of a long history of Mexican-American life within the country. 

Mexican immigration to the U.S. began in the early 20th century, driven by economic opportunities and political unrest from the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). The Bracero Program (1942-1964) significantly increased migration, as Mexican laborers were recruited to fill wartime labor shortages, particularly in agriculture and railroads. Over the years, economic disparity and demand for labor sustained the flow of Mexican immigrants. U.S. immigration policies and border enforcement shaped migration patterns. Today, Mexican immigrants remain the largest immigrant group in the U.S., contributing significantly to its economy and culture. On top of it, Mexico became the important nation along U.S. southern border fulfilling the dreams of many undocumented immigrants in this country. 

Mexican-Americans and Mexican immigrants play a pivotal role in various sectors of the U.S. economy, particularly in agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing. According to recent data, Mexican heritage workers make up about 25% of the U.S. labor force in agriculture. Their labor has been crucial in ensuring food security, with many Mexican-American and immigrant workers performing difficult, physically demanding jobs that are essential to maintaining the agricultural system. In the construction industry, approximately 30% of workers are Hispanic, with those of Mexican heritage forming a large portion of this group. They are vital to the building of infrastructure, homes, and businesses across the nation. On the eve of the Labor Day month, let us pay a tribute to these industrious brothers who are contributing by their blood and sweat. 

Mexican-Americans have also contributed significantly to the U.S. economy through entrepreneurship. As of recent reports, Latino-owned businesses, many of which are run by people of Mexican heritage, are growing at a rate much faster than the national average. From restaurants and retail stores to technology startups and construction companies, Mexican-American entrepreneurs are creating jobs and fueling economic growth in local communities. 

For instance, in places like Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago, Mexican-American businesses form the backbone of vibrant local economies. The purchasing power of Latino households in the U.S. was estimated to be around $1.9 trillion in 2023, with Mexican-Americans contributing significantly to this figure. 

Always remember, living with a group with rich cultural heritage means you are safe, sound and sustainable. Let us talk about their contribution to cultural enrichment of U.S. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, with over 40 million speakers. Much of this linguistic influence comes from Mexican-Americans and Mexican immigrants. Bilingualism in English and Spanish has become an essential skill in the U.S., particularly in regions with large Hispanic populations like California, Texas, and New Mexico. Spanish has influenced American culture not only in everyday communication but also in media, advertising, and entertainment. Many brands, for example, produce bilingual content to reach the growing Mexican-American market. The cultural contributions of people of Mexican heritage have significantly shaped American music, art, and entertainment. 

Mexican cuisine is arguably one of the most beloved and widespread cultural imports in the United States. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and guacamole are staples across the country, and cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Phoenix have thriving Mexican food scenes. Restaurants run by Mexican-Americans and first-generation immigrants have become cultural institutions, contributing to the culinary diversity of the country. 

People of Mexican heritage have made significant strides in political representation. One of the most prominent examples is Cesar Chavez, a labor leader and civil rights activist of Mexican descent who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) in the 1960s. His advocacy for the rights of farmworkers, many of whom were Mexican immigrants, led to significant labor reforms and remains an inspiration for Latino activism in the U.S.  

Mexican-Americans have played a crucial role in civil rights movements throughout U.S. history. The Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s aimed to achieve equality and social justice for Mexican-Americans, fighting against discrimination, school segregation, and labor exploitation. 

Despite enriching the American social and cultural fabric and contributing to a lot of sectors by sweat and blood, there is still room for improvement for this important minority group when compared to other citizens. Mexican-Americans have lower rates of educational attainment compared to other groups in the U.S. According to recent data, only 16% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 33% of non-Hispanic whites. Many face financial barriers to attending college. While some receive scholarships or grants, a large number struggle to afford tuition, which can result in limited higher education opportunities. About 18.6% of Mexican-Americans live below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 11.4%. Many Mexican-Americans are concentrated in low-wage jobs, particularly in industries like agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. These jobs often provide low wages, limited benefits, and little job security. Furthermore, many Mexican-American workers, particularly immigrants, are employed in the informal sector, where labor protections are minimal. 

Mexican-Americans tend to earn lower wages compared to non-Hispanic whites. For instance, median household income for Mexican-American families is $55,000, compared to $71,000 for non-Hispanic white families. This wage gap contributes to continued economic inequality. A significant portion of the Mexican heritage population in the U.S. includes undocumented immigrants, many of whom live in constant fear of deportation. The immigration debate has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for millions, with issues surrounding family separation, border security, and the path to citizenship remaining contentious. Many undocumented Mexican immigrants work in essential industries but lack the legal protections and rights that come with valid status. 

On the eve of Mexican Independence Day, we celebrate the rich culture, resilience, and contributions of the Mexican people, both in Mexico and across the world to humanity. As we reflect on the past, let us also look forward to building stronger communities, fostering equality, and embracing the diversity that enriches us all. We can say there is real freedom, when all these people who face oppression, suppression and backwardness are liberated with equal opportunities and equal growth. Let us strive for more glorious days for this group for everything they had done to this country in silence. There is certainly a lot of debt to repay. Together, we can continue to uplift the spirit of independence and create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone. ¡Hola, amigo! ¡Viva México!