Keeping Guatemalan Immigrants at Home

Reverse Migration is a NYT video about migration between Cajolá, a Mayan town in the western highlands of Guatemala, and the United States. The story follows one man – Eduardo Jimenez – who came to the US from Cajolá, lived here for 10 years, got shot, and returned to Guatemala. He is now trying to develop the Cajolá economy in order to halt or reduce emigration. He’s doing this by focusing on creating a female workforce, with projects like Mayamam Weavers.

The video addresses some of the push and pull factors of immigration, the importance of remittances, and even medical repatriation. There’s a lot packed into 16 minutes of film. Consider flagging it for your next semester.

-KitJ