Question

What pull factor brought Maria and her sister to the United States?

the wish to escape discrimination

the desire to reunite with family

the need to escape gang violence
Maria migrated to the United States at the age of eight. She left her homeland in order to reunite with her family. Like many Mexicans, Maria's family was divided. Her mother and her three younger brothers migrated first and established a home in the United States. Six months later Maria and her older sister started their migrations to the United States.

This migration was extremely difficult for Maria. The first attempt to cross the border was both frightening and unsuccessful. The border patrol officers became suspicious and told Maria that she and her parents would be arrested and put in jail if she didn't comply with their demands. This young girl did what most children would do. She told the truth. As Maria says, she "spilled the beans" and told them her name, and informed them that she was from Jalisco, Mexico. Maria was sent back to Mexico. Two days later Maria's parents paid for the services of a coyote, an individual who smuggles immigrants into the United States for a large amount of money. The next day Maria arrived in San Pedro, California.

-Interview with Maria R.,
Mexican immigrant

Answer 1

The desire to reunite with family. Maria and her sister came to join their mother and younger brothers who had migrated earlier.