Endorsing Family Interdependence Rather Than “Emancipation”: A Qualitative Exploration Among Latin American Migrant Youth in U.S. Farmwork

Abstract

Our study explored the meaning Latin American youth ascribe to their family role over distance using the perspective of Guatemalan and Mexican migrant youths in U.S. agriculture. We examined the nuance in their understanding of “emancipation” and family interdependence concerning international migration and farmwork. A thematic analysis guided the study among a purposive sample of N = 20 Latin American young men working in agriculture in Florida and Georgia, ages 15–20. Half of them were undocumented minors fromGuatemala, and the otherswere young adultH-2Atemporary visa holders fromMexico. Audio voice-recorded interviews were conducted in Spanish and transcribed using NVivo 14. Data generated two core themes regarding independence and family interdependence in the United States: (a) the word “emancipated” is emotionally complex and unfamiliar, and (b) family interdependence is maintained despite living in the United States by themselves. Our findings point out that for Latin American migrant youth, emancipated is not culturally aligned or relevant. Instead, these youth carry more collective values aligned with Latin American norms. Findings highlighted that unaccompanied youth from Latin America see themselves as interdependent with family across borders rather than emancipated.