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To understand the present-day conditions fueling emigration from Latin America, it is important to recognize their connection to colonialism and imperialism.

Evolving conditions in Latin America has led to a smaller percentage of migrants solely seeking economic opportunities and a greater number of individuals fleeing authoritarianism, violence, poverty, discrimination, and the impacts of climate change.

The reflections of the “American Dream” provided by our protagonists in this lesson complexity our understandings of the age-old narrative of American idealism.

Deciding to migrate is the first part of a long journey characterized by physical obstacles spanning the Americas, including the Darien Gap and the U.S.-Mexico border.

While the physical aspects of migration are often the most visible, the non-physical challenges often have the most profound and long-lasting impact on migrant’s lives.

Migrants often express pride, and even disbelief at their ability to overcome and grapple with the physical and non-physical challenges of migration.

Washington, D.C. is an international city with a large population of immigrants. Beginning the mid-twentieth century, Latin American migration became an increasingly significant contributor to the construction of modern day D.C.

Migration to D.C. reflects the broader trends across the Americas. This new context has deepened old challenges for migrants including unstable employment and impossible housing.

Historically integrating many migrant communities, D.C. now grapples with fulfilling their sanctuary promises for recent arrivals against limited funding and local capacities.

Some final reflections on the entire course.