Los Invasores

digital drawing, collage, 2024

Invasores / Invaders / Immigrant / Inmigrante

The use of "invasion" rhetoric builds on historical precedents, amplifying existing fears and concerns about immigration. Politicians including (Donald) Trump have consistently used this language since 2015, when he infamously referred to Mexican immigrants as "rapists" and criminals. This rhetoric is xenophobic and factually misleading. Immigration experts generally do not characterize immigration patterns to the U.S. as an "invasion."

In fact, Mexican immigration to the United States since the 1950s has been characterized by evolving patterns, from the Bracero Program's temporary workers to increased unauthorized immigration following stricter legal restrictions. Economic factors in both countries, along with family networks, have driven migration flows. Despite increased border enforcement, Mexican immigrants have become integral to the U.S. economy, particularly in agriculture, construction, and service industries.

In recent years, immigration patterns have shifted, with decreased unauthorized immigration from Mexico, increased legal migration for skilled work, and a growing proportion of U.S.-born Mexican-Americans. Despite these changes, Mexican immigrants and their descendants continue to play a crucial role in the U.S. economy and have profoundly influenced American culture.

With all this as a back drop, I wanted to create a custom collage addressing the rhetoric vs realities of the undocumented immigrant experience. Using multiple images crafted in Midjourney 6.0, I collaged elements that composed a larger scene of farmworkers, their efforts and the effects on the land. I also reference elements of popular culture (Invaders film title) and fantasy, creating a poster design akin to midcentury travel advertisements.