Latino Immigrants Describe Residence in Rural Midwestern Meatpacking Communities: A Longitudinal Assessment of Social and Economic Change

Abstract
The authors describe results from a longitudinal investigation of Latino immigrants residing in three rural, Midwestern, meatpacking communities. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 43 Latino immigrants. Survey data assessed economic strain, community concerns, and community service access and availability; in-depth interviews focused on satisfaction with rural Midwestern residence. The following year, 23 of the original participants were located. They completed the same instruments and engaged in an in-depth interview to assess change during the previous year. Results of this investigation are presented as are suggestions for further work and advocacy efforts.