The Journey of Latinx Immigrants: A Personal Story From One of Springfield’s Own

Writing by Janette Beckner

Graphics by Rachael Mueller

For many Latinx immigrants, the journey to the United States is fraught with unimaginable challenges and sacrifices. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this story is about one of Springfield’s own, a Honduran man who will be referred to as Josue in this story, as he wishes to remain anonymous to protect his privacy. Josue fled his country when he was 21. 

Josue’s journey began in Camaguey, Honduras, where he worked at the local airport. The night before he left Honduras to start his voyage to the U.S., he went to say goodbye to his family, including his aunt, who raised him as a son, knowing that this might be the last time he would see them. With a heavy heart, he went to the bus station the following day, embarking on a long, challenging journey for a better life.

Upon reaching the city of San Pedro Sula in Cortés, Honduras, he met a man called El Coyote — an individual who facilitates illegal border crossings for migrants; this marked the beginning of a grueling trek. After being taken to the border of Guatemala and crossing into Mexico, he spent an entire month navigating through Mexico. Each day was a test of endurance. After arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, each time Josue tried to cross it illegally, it consisted of two-day hikes and swimming across the Rio Grande River with clothes, shoes, backpacks, and other small necessities. He said they had limited supplies, including water, canned tuna, beans, and salted crackers. Each time he thinks about his journey, he still remembers the mess of emotions he felt. 

“Recuerdo que nos detuvimos para tomar un descanso la segunda vez que intentamos cruzar cuando era mi cumpleaños,” Josue said in Spanish. “Me agaché para sentarme y descansar cuando empecé a llorar incontrolablemente. Nunca me había sentido tan débil. Me dije a mí mismo que soy un hombre, que debería ser lo suficientemente fuerte como para soportar esto, pero nunca pasé un cumpleaños en el que no pudiera comunicarme con mis seres queridos porque no tenía un teléfono que funcionara ni nada, y esa fue la peor parte.”

A translation of his quote in English is below.

“I remember we stopped to take a break the second time we tried crossing when it was my birthday,” Josue said. “I crouched down to sit and rest when I started crying uncontrollably. I had never felt so weak. I thought to myself, ‘I'm a man; I should be tough enough to withstand this,’ but I'd never spent a birthday where I couldn't communicate with my loved ones because I didn't have a working phone or anything, and that was the worst part.” 

The first attempt to cross the Rio Grande ended in disappointment. Immigration officials caught Josue and sent him back to the front lines on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border. He then returned to El Coyote’s safe house to regroup. Determined, he made two more attempts. On the second attempt, he faced immigration officials again, but this time on his birthday — a bittersweet reminder of the life he left behind. The day after being picked up by immigration officials, he returned to El Coyote’s safe house again. Through feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger, and, most of all, determination, he decided to wait at least two weeks before trying to cross the border again. 

Out of a group of eight who attempted the crossing, only two, including himself, succeeded on the third time. After making it to Texas, Josue met one of his sisters, who picked him up and took him to Houston. Life in the U.S. was not easy at first. After a year in Houston, he moved to Louisiana, where he spent another year working before returning to Texas and trying his luck in Dallas. He navigated roofing jobs there, which required him to travel to Minnesota and Chicago. 

Ultimately, the constant traveling back and forth into the cold drove him back to Louisiana, where a relative connected him with a man in Springfield, Missouri, who knew of well-paying jobs. Taking a chance, he moved again, finding stability in this new job and eventually deciding to stay. Josue continues to work this job, saving money and sending some to his family when he can. Living with his two best friends, he said he likes where he’s at in life. Still, he said he wants to keep improving and achieving his dreams. For example, Josue is currently renovating his home to resell it at a higher price, which he hopes to continue doing. For Josue, that’s what continuing to do better and achieve his goals looks like, as well as continuing to help his family in Honduras financially. 

Josue’s story is not unique; it highlights the struggles of countless Latinx immigrants who risk everything for a better life. Learning about Latinx immigrant journeys goes to show that each one is different. Each crossing is marked by uncertainty, fear, and an undying hope for a brighter future. His resilience is a testament to the strength of those who dare to dream beyond borders, illustrating Latinx immigrants' profound human spirit in the face of adversity.