The 2006-2007 immigration mobilizations and community capacity: The experience of Chicago

• Published in: Latino studies 2011-05, Vol.9 (1), p.10-37
• Main Authors: Betancur, John J, Garcia, Maricela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collective behavior; Community development; Community organizations; Cultural and Media Studies; Cultural Studies; Ethnicity Studies; Focus; Immigration; Immigration policy; Insurgency; Leadership; Literature; Migration; Noncitizens; Original Article; Postcolonial/World Literature; Public health; Rebellions; Regional and Cultural Studies; Research design; Social activism; Social change; Work organization
• ISSN: 1476-3435; 1476-3443
• DOI: 10.1057/lst.2011.3

This article examines the 2006–2007 phase of the immigration movement in Chicago with a particular focus on the capacity of Latinos to advance initiatives of this magnitude. It studies the factors and forces involved and the ways in which they combined in opposition to federal immigration bill HR 4437. The experience points to a multifaceted movement initially carried out by community-based organizations but ultimately advanced by direct community action. Analysis reveals tremendous advances in the community's ability to pursue such initiatives, especially through the combination of mass action and organizational work. It also suggests that community capacity as manifested in the movement cannot be contained in fixed variables: much is acquired sobre la marcha , each moment requires different combinations and actions, and the ability to advance often depends on forces beyond the community's control.