Two Welded into One: The Experiences of Mexican Americans Who Have Dual Citizenship and Live a Transborder Life

Abstract

The objective of this study is to add to the discussion of the diverse faces of border life between Mexico and the United States. Focusing on transborder binational Mexican Americans living in the region of Juárez-El Paso-Las Cruces, the study is based on in-depth interviews and discussion groups with 27 informants. The analysis of their narratives showed that they consider themselves different from Chicanos and Mexican Americans who live in other parts of the country. It seems that the transborder element, which gives them a full understanding of contemporary Juarez culture, is what they recognize as particular for their identity. They consider themselves Mexican in principle, but they have learned to integrate elements of American culture and ideology, as well as to defend their dual citizenship and their binational identity. Although they developed a legal consciousness after their first transition to the United States, their Mexican identity makes them vulnerable to discrimination or racist attitudes from other ethnic and cultural groups. Hence, binational transborder Mexican Americans are a category that is imperative to visibilize in their daily efforts to defend their identity, culture, and rights.