Guatemalans, Mexicans blending as families

As migrants marry, new Latino identity emerges

Daniel González
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 12, 2007 12:00 AM

Santiago Chavez spotted Bibiana Arzeta at a Latin nightclub in Phoenix and asked her to dance.

Where are you from? Arzeta asked. Mexico, Chavez replied.

Chavez gave Arzeta his phone number, and later, the two began talking regularly. That's when Arzeta, who is originally from Acapulco, noticed Chavez didn't speak Spanish with an accent like hers.

Where are you really from? Arzeta asked. This time, Chavez told the truth. Guatemala.

The couple now have a 1-month-old son, Leo. Their union represents an emerging demographic trend taking shape in Phoenix and other cities throughout the Southwest: Growing numbers of Guatemalan and Mexican immigrants are marrying and having U.S.-born children, creating mixed Latino families with ties to three countries at once.

The trend is being driven by an influx of immigrants from Central America, mainly Guatemala, who are settling in communities long dominated by Mexican immigrants, experts say. Although no specific data exists about the number of mixed Latino marriages, the trend is undeniable. As more Central Americans arrive, the more they meet and marry Mexicans.