Militarización de la frontera e inmigración ilegal: los jornaleros tamaulipecos

Field research was conducted during 2005 and 2006 in central Veracruz, Mexico. We worked with 38 families of undocumented migrants and five men who have returned to the localities. The objective was to analyze the factors deto- nating of migration in four locations, as well as the role played by diverse social networks in the phenomenon, and family dynamics as a result of the absence of male or economic provider. The results showed as triggers of migration seeking better opportunities for jobs and quality of life, based on a modification of the work ethic and expectations that can not get in Mexico, and where various types of networks facilitate the departure of migrants, stay in the United States, and job search. There was continuity and strengthening the structure and dynamics of extended domestic groups, and the prevalence of patrilineal hierarchical roles, where women, maintain the traditional domestic role, without economic inde- pendence, under the tutelage economic and moral advancement of the kindred male absent. With regard to the use of remittances, the will of man is executed through their relatives, while retaining the traditional roles of a type of marriage at a distance, not based on the co-residence.