Voices of women on a journey: The experiences of undocumented domestic workers in Laredo, Texa

Although Mexican domestic workers have been studied, (e.g., Arguelles & Romero 1993; Hagan, 1998; Hondagneu-Sotelo, 1994; Hondagneu-Sotelo & Avila, 1997), there is minimal research in this area. The goal of this study was to add to the literature, especially in its psychological aspects. This qualitative study explored the meaning that undocumented Mexican domestic workers gave to their experiences in the United States. It described the various dilemmas that these women faced as undocumented domestic workers. Special attention was given to the diverse coping mechanisms that these women employed to deal with dilemmas. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted in Laredo, Texas. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a phenomenological methodology. Seven themes emerged from the analysis of the transcripts. The findings in this study are consistent with and expand upon previous findings in the literature in this area. Research limitations and questions for further research are delineated.