English (USA) Qualitative Research on the Labor Trajectories of Highly Educated Latino Immigrants in Florida
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18041/1900-0642/criteriolibre.2024v22n41.11719Keywords:
Labor trajectories,, Social integration,, Latino immigrant, Brain waste, FlexibilizationAbstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the labor trajectories and experiences of Latino immigrant professionals with college degrees who achieved social inclusion after relocating to Florida, United States. In the context of this research, social inclusion was broadly defined as an individual’s participation in a new culture or country. The study employed a phenomenological approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews. These interviews explored both socio-demographic factors and the lived experiences that influenced each participant’s labor trajectory. A total of 18 Latino immigrant professionals, who had lived in the United States for less than ten years and voluntarily participated, were interviewed. The findings suggest that many of these professionals may face underemployment and low wages in Florida. However, their labor trajectories could improve over time if they succeed in validating their foreign educational credentials, enhancing their language proficiency, changing their immigration status, and pursuing further education and professional training in the U.S. Their social integration appears to be limited primarily to interactions within their work environments.
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