Latin American Studies

In Mexico today, thousands of families are searching for loved ones who have disappeared amid the violence associated with “the war on drugs.” Trade agreements like NAFTA created conditions that allowed criminal organizations to thrive—and ordinary people have paid the price.

A special issue of California History commemorates the centennial of the Border Patrol and the Immigration Act of 1924, and offers important historical perspective on our current political moment.

First-gen scholar and author Stephanie L. Canizales discusses the inspiring stories of the migrant youth at the center of her work, the research and writing process for Sin Padres, Ni Papeles, and how to better support first-gen scholars.