[ding_dong_daddy_from_dumas]

>>I’ve been told by many that their life in LA was not much different than it was in Mexico.<<

That's what the Guatemalans in this film (1983) said when they got to LA.

It's ultimately a sad film, starting with the characters being exploited by the rich folks in Guatemala.

"Para el rico, somos puro brazo para trabajar."

"To the rich man, we are nothing more than arms to do his work."

On the way to LA, his sister gets typhus from rats and dies. Although he starts to learn English and gets a better job, in the end, in LA he is exploited again.

[Ajnin]

I was shown that movie while I was in the Border Patrol Academy.

[La Enchiladita]

Yes, and in that movie directed by Gregory Nava, the Guatemalans are treated badly by the Mexicans... so they learn to “act Mexican” as a safe camouflage.

[ReagansShinyHair]

I can’t see your picture. Did you post about El Norte? I watched that movie when I was young and will never forget it. I watched it in Spanish and I learned some good curse words that my mom never taught me!