Exploring decisions of migration: subjective life experiences of Mexican migrant farm workers in Northern California

This study explores the subjective life experiences of Mexican migrant farm workers. This was accomplished by examining Mexican migrant farm workers' perceptions of biopsychosocial dimensions of their ecological contexts such as their living conditions, employment, and available social services in the United States in contrast with what they left behind in Mexico. Limited research has been done to explore the subjective life experience of migrant farm workers. By understanding the challenges, obstacles, beliefs, and culture of Mexican migrant farm workers social workers can become more culturally competent in meeting the needs of this population. This will provide social workers the opportunity to better serve this vulnerable population. This study used secondary data. The original exploratory study consisted of convenience and snowball sampling of Mexican migrant farm workers residing in Yolo, Sacramento, Napa and Sonoma Counties in California. Multiple choice and open-ended questions were asked to (38) participants; however, only (29) participants completed both sections. These questions explored the dilemmas that migrant farm workers face when making the decision to migrate to the United States. Content analysis of the original transcripts was employed to identify emergent themes. The overall results indicate that migrant farm workers who participated in the study seriously contemplated the decision of leaving their families, culture, friends and home country to come to the United States for better economic opportunities. Participants overwhelmingly believed that they have better economic opportunities in the United States. However, they believed that emotionally, spiritually and psychologically they are more fulfilled in Mexico. With regard to health services, participants believed that they receive more efficient health services in Mexico, but they believed the quality of care is better in the United States. Many participants cited difficulties such as language barriers, discrimination and travel to the United States as substantial obstacles which impact their views about their subjective life experiences, whether or not they believe living in the United States is worth it and if they would recommend that family and friends migrate to the United States. Furthermore, the majority of the participants still considered Mexico to be home. This study will support social workers understanding of the dilemmas and obstacles that Mexican migrant farm workers face in this country. With this knowledge, social workers will be able to provide more culturally competent services to this population.