Mexicans Chasing the Canadian Dream: Expectations Versus Reality

• In Event: 64.018 - International Perspectives on Schools, Communities, Families, and the State

Abstract

When NAFTA was implemented more than 20 years ago, Mexicans thought of it as an opportunity for social mobility. After 20 years of its implementation, it is important to critically examine whether or not these promises have in fact been realized for “the people of all three member countries.” This paper examines the life stories of 20 Mexican immigrants to Canada whose immigration journey has taken place over the same period of time that the NAFTA has been in effect. We examine their motivations for leaving Mexico and their aspirations for their life in Canada; whether or not their career expectations have been met, and the obstacles and setbacks they have faced.

Authors

• Gloria Ramirez, Thompson Rivers University

• monica j. sanchez-flores, Thompson Rivers University