“We have the right and we need better transportation”: Mobility, community, and connection of Latin American migrant workers in Vermont

Abstract

Transportation research on Latine migrant workers has increased in the past decade, revealing the difficulties that can arise for migrants who are often undocumented, isolated, and subject to unfair treatment at work. This study focuses on the transportation experiences and challenges of migrants from Latin America residing in the largely rural border state of Vermont. We conducted semi-structured interviews with Latine migrant workers to better understand their mobility and quality of life. We find that the legal landscape and resource access (including drivers' licenses, personal vehicles, and personal networks) are major contributors to rural migrant workers' mobility, which in turn contributes to quality of life. Difficulty accessing transportation was not strongly tied to financial resources, instead stemming from a lack of knowledge of transportation resources as well as legal and social contexts that prevent participants from feeling safe when leaving their homes. Driver privilege cards increased independence and mobility for many migrant workers interviewed, although some respondents shared that feelings of safety diminish the closer one gets to the U.S.-Canada border. All participants without a car and license reported paying for “raites” to get from one place to another. Our findings highlight the importance of individual transportation access for migrant workers living in a rural context. Expanding access to permissive driver's licensing laws and investing in organizations and programs that strengthen community ties and improve information dissemination (including native language options) are crucial to making mobility and community resources accessible to all migrants.