Michelle Zuñiga interviewed by Citizen Times for ‘Language and legal hurdles leave Swannanoa Latinos to rely on each other for help’
Michelle Zuñiga, assistant professor of urban and community planning, was interviewed for the article ‘Language and legal hurdles leave Swannanoa Latinos to rely on each other for help’ from the Citizen Times.
Fernando Uribe’s La Bamba Sazón Latino, a Mexican restaurant with a mini market, was not damaged when Hurricane Helene caused the Swannanoa River to crest at more than 26 feet and flood neighboring buildings. He is giving as much as 25% of a day’s profits to his friends and neighbors who did not fare as well.
Uribe has mostly been providing aid to local Latinos who make up about 11% of the population in Swannanoa. In the case of migrant communities, the need to support each other is increased due to unique obstacles including cultural differences, language barriers and legal status.
Zuñiga said the rhetoric surrounding the election has not helped build trust in these communities, especially when there is fear of deportations. “Maybe it would be different during a different time or a different election,” she said “But in this time, there’s a lot of fear with what can they say, who can they reach out to and I think they’re looking out for one another in that way.”