Michael J. LaRosa

Taking on historical events in Latin America as its starting point, this book examines the migration of its inhabitants to the United States with case studies from seven nations: Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela.Combining the disciplines of history and law, the authors explore the economic and historical challenges present in each nation that force "out" migration, including corruption, historical exploitation, racism, unequal/unfair trade arrangements, and the oftentimes unilateral, exploitative operations of multinational corporations. Readers will learn about the contemporary socio/political and economic realities of the seven sending nations and understand the complexity of immigration laws (as passed by the Congress), executive actions taken by individual presidents in the United States, and some state initiatives. They will hear the voices of immigrants themselves, as well as those who have stayed behind or been deported from the United States back to their home nations.This book will be of interest to students of Latin American history, as well as US history and politics.

Taking on historical events in Latin America as its starting point, this book examines the migration of its inhabitants to the United States with case studies from seven nations: Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela.Combining the disciplines of history and law, the authors explore the economic and historical challenges present in each nation that force "out" migration, including corruption, historical exploitation, racism, unequal/unfair trade arrangements, and the oftentimes unilateral, exploitative operations of multinational corporations. Readers will learn about the contemporary socio/political and economic realities of the seven sending nations and understand the complexity of immigration laws (as passed by the Congress), executive actions taken by individual presidents in the United States, and some state initiatives. They will hear the voices of immigrants themselves, as well as those who have stayed behind or been deported from the United States back to their home nations.This book will be of interest to students of Latin American history, as well as US history and politics.

Michael J. LaRosa and Germán R. Mejía offer a comprehensive approach to Colombian history in the post-independence era, from about 1810 to the present. This third edition includes vital updates that dive into the historic 2022 presidential election and signing of the Peace Accords with FARC in 2016.This deeply informed and accessible book thematically traces the history of Colombia, moving beyond the common perception of a failed state to explore the rich heritage and dynamism that have characterized Colombia past and present. The book focuses on the factors that have contributed to Colombia’s unification and development and looks at political projects, economic activity, and cultural development that have pushed Colombia forward. Also included are a photo essay, detailed chronology for further study and research, and a chapter dealing with Colombians abroad.

Updated to include the historic 2022 presidential election, this deeply informed and accessible book traces the history of Colombia thematically over the past two centuries. Michael J. LaRosa and Germán R. Mejía move beyond the common perception of a failed state to explore the rich heritage and dynamism that have characterized Colombia past and present.

Art meets today’s political debate over immigration in this beautifully illustrated exploration of Nicario Jiménez Quispe’s retablos. This beautifully illustrated full-color book offers a unique depiction of the current immigration debate through the lens of renowned Peruvian artist Nicario Jiménez Quispe, a recent immigrant to the United States. An internationally recognized maker of retablos, Jiménez has begun creating work that powerfully encapsulates the struggles, possibilities, and tragedies of immigration from the Global South to North America. A decorative box with figures in the interior, a retablo traditionally was used to pay homage to certain saints in Peru. In Spain, they were used as portable altars for itinerant priests who carried them to perform mass in remote areas. In the Andes, the retablo became a sort of magical-religious box designed to increase fertility among animals that served as a means of exchange in a cash-free, rural environment. The authors, leading historians of Latin America, contextualize Jiménez’s compelling art, to offer creative new insights on the bitter immigration disputes that are dividing our nation.

Colombia is at a historic crossroads as its leaders implement peace accords that will end an undeclared but bitter civil war that has raged for more than half a century. Building a nation at peace will require the input and collaboration of both Colombians and the world community. Yet relatively little is known about Colombia in the United States and abroad. This deeply informed and accessible book traces the history of Colombia thematically over the past two centuries. In twelve interlinked chapters, Michael J. LaRosa and Germán R. Mejía depart from more standard approaches by presenting a history of political, social, and cultural accomplishments within the context of Colombia’s specific geographic and economic realities. Their emphasis on cultural development, international relations, and everyday life contrasts sharply with works that brand Colombia as a failed state, focusing on its violent past or on an economy deeply dependent on narcotics. Instead, the authors emphasize Colombia’s remarkable national cohesion and endurance since the early nineteenth century wars for independence. They explore two distinct eras: the “long nineteenth century” (1780–1899) and the “ongoing twentieth century” (1899–present). Including a photo essay, detailed chronology, and resource guide, this concise yet thorough history will be an invaluable resource for all those seeking a thoughtful, definitive interpretation of the rich heritage and dynamism that have characterized Colombia past and present.

This text focuses on U.S. relations with Latin America from the advent of the New Diplomacy late in the nineteenth century to the present. Providing a balanced perspective, it presents both the United States’ view that the Western Hemisphere needed to unite under a common democratic, capitalistic society and the Latin American countries’ response to U.S. attempts to impose these goals on its southern neighbors. The authors examine the reciprocal interactions between the two regions, each with distinctive purposes, outlooks, interests, and cultures. They also place U.S.–Latin American relations within the larger global political and economic context.