Historical and Contemporary Narratives of Women Migrants’ Journeys into NYC

• In Event: Legacies of the Past, Lessons for the Present

Abstract

This study explores the historical and contemporary experiences of women migrants to NYC, often accompanied by children, and the various challenges they face. It takes a historical and contemporary approach, exploring the stories of women who left Ireland during the Great Hunger and the more recent stories of women from Latin America. It examines the situations that make them leave their countries of origin, the multifaceted nature of violence perpetrated by the state and individuals that they encounter, and the compounding effects of these experiences. The study traces their journeys and looks at the help they received from individuals and networks, as well as the negative experiences such as financial extortion and punitive responses from state officials. It follows the women once they arrive in NYC and highlights the difficulties they face in navigating the system. Despite the challenges, the study also highlights the theme of resilience, which is evident in the women's stories.

Authors

• Jayne Mooney, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Yolanda Ortiz-Rodriguez, John Jay College of Criminal Justice