Attorney Magaña’s family story is similar to many other immigrants. Her father worked as a gardener and her mother as a caregiver for the elderly. Her two older sisters were born in the 1970s in La Jolla and Escondido, and Arcelia was born in the 1990s, also in Escondido. “I am deeply proud of them,” says Arcelia. “Earnings from their hard work resulted in their dreams of owning a home of their own and eventually becoming rental property owners. And their dreams of a better life instilled in us the motivation to pursue our own dreams of earning college educations.
Arcelia Magaña with parents, UC Berkely, May 2013 (Photo courtesy ©Arcelia Magaña Family Archives)
Pursuing their own American Dreams Whether born in the U.S., naturalized, a legal resident or living undocumented, the demographic surge manifested itself in the dynamic transformation of Latinos/Hispanics in San Diego. While this Latino community was becoming more diversified, the majority, both native and immigrant, were of Mexican heritage. Their perseverance and resiliency were evident in the face of new challenges in pursuing their own American Dreams. And some of those dreams were kept alive by the bold spirit of the 1960’s Chicano Movement and the student movement. The Quest for Representation The continued formation of nonprofit community service and advocacy organizations also increased. Two such organizations would influence the futures of many professionals: La Raza Lawyers Association (LRLA) and the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA) de San Diego.
President Ronald Reagan signing the Immigration Reform Control Act, November 6, 1986 (Photo courtesy ©U.S. National Archives and Record Administration)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 6 – Perseverance
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