Abstract

Local governments across Oregon, as a new destination for Mexican immigrants, face challenges to integrate these newcomers into the broader society. Based on fifty semistructured interviews with Mexican immigrants residing in two metropolitan areas in Oregon (Salem and Portland), this research provides evidence of their perceptions of paths to civic engagement. In general, most Mexican immigrants in Oregon come from rural areas and have low levels of literacy and lack legal status. However, regardless of their legal status, they have settled permanently in the state. They may lack the knowledge of how to become involved. This research contributes to providing an understanding on how civic engagement is understood and practiced in local Mexican populations, thereby enhancing the quality of community interactions.