"Unlike the pundits who debate immigration policy within the
context of border security or labor markets, David Griffith focuses
on the history and evolution of the H-2 program, examining the efficacy
of actual guestworker policies and their effects on migrant workers.
The value of American Guestworkers lies in the author’s
argument that local history can influence global processes. Throughout
the book, Griffith proves his point by moving effortlessly between
analysis of the local and national issues related to the H-2 program.”
—Elzbieta M. Gozdziak, Georgetown University
The H-2 program, originally based in Florida, is the longestrunning
labor-importation program in the country. Over
the course of a quarter-century of research, Griffith studied
rural labor processes and their national and international
effects. In this book, he examines the socioeconomic
effects of the H-2 program on both the areas where the
laborers work and the areas they are from, and, taking a
uniquely humanitarian stance, he considers the effects of
the program on the laborers themselves.
Introduction: In the State with the Prettiest Name
1 Alleged Shortages at Home, Certain Surpluses Abroad: North American Temporary Worker Programs
2 Occupations Abandoned, Workers Displaced: Seasonal Labor Before and After H-2
Part II: Jamaican Experiences, 1981–2001
3 From Beauty to Truth
4 Aspects of the Machete
5 Guests as Hosts: Jamaicans in the Tourist Industry
Part III: Mexican Experiences, 1988–2003
6 When Owls Die, Ellos Nos Hierieron
7 Bodies on Hold: Gender and H-2
Conclusion: Lasting Firsts
