The United States

The United States is the desired, and achieved, destination of all the many people interviewed in Underground America. The vast majority of the interviewees are going to the United States either in search of greater economic opportunity or fleeing politically disastrous situations in their home countries. Their experiences in the United States are mixed. Some find what they are looking for: greater economic opportunities, families, citizenship status. Others do not, and find themselves impoverished, scared, bitter and resentful at their treatment by Americans, law enforcement, and government.

Mexico

Many of the interviewees in Underground America comes from Mexico—from states such as Jalisco, Oaxaca, and Michoacán. The majority of the interviewed Mexicans working in the United States cross the border by foot, although a small minority crosses with proper papers via plane. They are predominantly in search of greater economic opportunities and plan to...