From an Island in Palau: Analysis
I met Ponciana through work. Occasionally, I would hear her mention something about back home, but I did not know about her story. This project gave me the opportunity to speak with Ponciana and bring her story out. Her story, however, does not follow the trend that this course concentrates on.
According to Saskia Sassen, in her article, “Why Migration”, the most significant reasons for migration are poverty, unemployment, economic stagnation, or overpopulation. Complementary materials in this course further drove this notion for migration. Poinciana’s case, however, was different. Ponciana was trying to help her sister by bringing her niece and nephews to the U.S. Her sister had other plans for her. Ponciana came to the U.S. at a time, according to her testimony, when the island was not desperate to outsource its labor to the world market.
Modern heroes, Modern Slaves, is a documentary about the need for migration in the Pacific in order to provide for families back home. Although this documentary concentrated solely on the Philippines, this trend for migration has become prevalent for many islands in the Pacific. Cathy Small’s book, Voyages: from Tongan Villages to American Suburbs is another example of the need for migration in the Pacific Islands. In both cases, the need for remittances to the islands has brought their own governments to get involved in migration issues. What makes these two cases interesting in comparison to Ponciana’s testimony is the time period. These pieces were made in the early to late 90s. Ponciana arrived in the U.S. in 1972.
Ponciana, like so many millions that arrive in the United States every year, come looking for a “better life”. For Ponciana that life brought her an education that was not available back home. In many cases, such as Mexico, the “better life” means sending money to their families back home. According to Jeffrey Cohen from the Migration Information Source, Mexican migrants in the U.S. remitted, on average, just over US$730 every two months. This money is essential to providing daily necessities and long term investments.
Like Warren Lehrer and Judith Sloan’s book, Crossing the Blvd, Ponciana’s testimony is one of so many millions who have a unique story of their journey to their new home in the States. Warren and Sloan’s book, like the interviews conducted by myself and my classmates are meant to revitalize the meaning of being “American”. At one time, either we or our ancestors were migrants to this nation. By remembering where we came from, we will know where we are going.