Born into the Mexican Revolution, Maria Perez entered an arranged marriage at age fourteen to Miguel Arredondo. The couple and their tiny daughter immigrated to the United States in the 1920s, living in a boxcar while Miguel worked for a Texas railroad and eventually settling in East Chicago, Indiana, where Miguel worked for Inland Steel. Their true story, which is featured in the new IHS Press book Maria's Journey, written by Ramón Arredondo and Trisha (Hull) Arredondo, includes much of early-twentieth-century America: the rise of unions, the plunge into the Great Depression, the patriotism of World War II, and the starkness of McCarthyism. It is flavored by delivery men hawking fruit and ice, street sports, and Saturday matinees that began with newsreels. Immigration status colors every scene, adding to their story deportation and citizenship, generational problems unique to new immigrants, and a miraculous message of hope.
Ramón Arredondo’s career has spanned the fields of law enforcement, administration, public policy, and business. Currently, he serves as a commissioner of the Ports of Indiana. Trisha (Hull) Arredondo began her career as an educator before becoming a successful advocate for health care and education for women, children, and migrants.
Maria's Journey costs $19.95. The paperback book is available from the IHS's History Market.
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