La Frontera y la Identidad de los Chicanos
La frontera serves to shape identity within, outside and along the US-Mexican border. The existence of a legal geographic border also creates an economic and linguistic separation between Chicanos and Anglo-Americans. These aspects are intertwined to the extent that it is difficult, if not impossible, to examine them separately from one another. Chicanos may be able to cross these borders without being fully accepted by either culture. The history of the border sets the stage for the experiences of many Chicanos and Mexican immigrants today. Past struggles for independence and land have shaped the border, both in a physical and cultural sense. Physically, the border is an arbitrary space dividing Mexico and the United States. Culturally the border is much more complex than just a simple line. Nearly every aspect of Chicano identity is impacted in some way by the border.
For many, crossing the physical border is synonymous with being fully assimilated into society. Mexican immigrants come to the United States expecting wealth and liberties. On the other hand, the reality they often face sharply contrasts previous hopes and expectations. Even after becoming a citizen, many cannot completely participate in the "American dream." Their Mexican heritage stands as a barrier on various levels. The 1984 film El Norte illustrates these barriers faced by Mexican immigrants as well as Chicano citizens. Rosa and Enrique, the film's main characters, are subjected to stereotypes of Hispanic immigrants. Carlos, a US citizen and English speaker of Mexican heritage, faces many of the same obstacles as undocumented immigrants such as Rosa and Enrique. Despite his status as an American citizen and his ability to speak English, he remained "'on the fringes of society'" (Staten). His Mexican background determines his socio-economic status instead of his abilities or legal citizenship.
Just as Chicanos are trapped between two cultures, their multilingual capabilities prevent them from identifying with one language. English is crucial in order to assimilate into US society. The pressure to learn English and the desire to hold on to one's native language has fostered the creation of new languages. One such language is Chicano-Spanish, which constantly modifies English and Spanish until it evolves into a "bastard language" (Anzaldúa, Borderlands ii). This "bastard language" portrays the alienation Chicanos often experience from their language as well as their culture. Anzaldúa has stated that, "Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity--I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself. Until I can accept as legitimate Chicano Texas Spanish, Tex-Mex and all the other languages I speak, I cannot accept the legitimacy of myself" (Anzaldúa, Borderlands 50). The recognition of Chicano-Spanish as a legitimate language also has the possibility to acknowledge Chicanos as a valid and accomodated people who are unashamed of existing.
The function of immigration law in the US is to maintain a rigid border while at the same time being permeable to allow the entry of undocumented laborers. Employers are not obligated to pay workers minimum wage since they cannot complain about working conditions for fear of deportation. Mexican immigrants are far more likely to be in poverty than US citizens. Despite efforts to curb undocumented immigration, the US economy is dependent upon these immigrants for cheap labor. New legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to work in the US temporarily has the potential to worsen the economic conditions of these workers and to create a permanent second-class.
