From Colonization to Systemic Oppression: The Legacy of Inequity for Hispanic Communities

Introduction

Systemic oppression against Hispanic communities didn’t start today—it’s rooted in centuries of colonization, exploitation, and discrimination. From the violent conquests of Indigenous peoples in Latin America to contemporary policies that disproportionately affect Hispanic communities, these systems have evolved to target Hispanic individuals in ways that mirror the oppression faced during colonization.

One of the less-discussed yet deeply harmful systems is the child welfare system. Hispanic families are disproportionately surveilled and separated under a system that often fails to account for cultural differences and systemic inequities. Along with inequities in education, healthcare, immigration, and housing, child welfare is yet another institution perpetuating the cycles of harm against Hispanic communities.

The Historical Roots of Oppression

Colonization and Conquest The Spanish conquest of Latin America in the 15th and 16th centuries laid the foundation for the exploitation of Hispanic and Indigenous people. Through forced labor systems like encomienda and hacienda, entire populations were enslaved, displaced, and stripped of their land and culture.

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo In 1848, the U.S. annexed a significant portion of Mexico’s territory, marking the beginning of systemic marginalization for Mexican Americans. Promises of land rights and protections for Mexican citizens living in these areas were ignored, leading to widespread land loss and disenfranchisement.

The Bracero Program During the mid-20th century, programs like the Bracero Program exploited Mexican laborers, providing cheap labor while denying them basic rights and protections. This established a pattern of economic dependence on Hispanic labor without granting equity or stability.

Child Welfare and Hispanic Families

Overrepresentation in the System Hispanic families are increasingly represented in the child welfare system, especially in states with large Hispanic populations. Factors such as poverty, systemic racism, and language barriers contribute to this overrepresentation.

• Neglect vs. Poverty: Many child welfare cases involving Hispanic families stem from poverty, which is often mislabeled as neglect. Instead of addressing structural issues, the system removes children from their homes.
• Language Barriers: Non-English-speaking families face additional challenges in navigating child welfare processes, from understanding legal proceedings to accessing culturally competent services.

Family Separation Family separation in the child welfare system echoes the displacement Hispanic families have historically experienced.

• Just as colonization and border policies tore families apart, the child welfare system disproportionately removes Hispanic children from their parents, often without sufficient efforts to provide resources or reunification services.

Cultural Bias in Casework Cultural misunderstandings often exacerbate inequities for Hispanic families.

• Extended Families and Community Networks: Many Hispanic families rely on extended family or community-based caregiving structures, which may not align with child welfare's narrow definitions of an acceptable household.
• Immigration Status: Undocumented parents face unique risks of child removal, as their status is used as a barrier to reunification.

Modern-Day Systems of Oppression

Immigration Policies

• Criminalization of Migration: Hispanic immigrants are disproportionately targeted by immigration enforcement. Policies like family separation at the border and mass deportations tear apart families and destabilize communities, echoing colonization's displacement.
• Exploitation of Undocumented Workers: Undocumented Hispanic workers often face unsafe working conditions, wage theft, and exploitation, with little to no legal recourse.

Education

• Hispanic students face systemic barriers in education, including underfunded schools in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods and disproportionately high dropout rates.
• The history of segregation, such as the Mendez v. Westminster case, demonstrates how Hispanic students were excluded from quality education. Today, those inequities persist in subtle but impactful ways.

Healthcare

• Hispanic communities face significant healthcare disparities, including higher rates of uninsured individuals and limited access to culturally competent care.
• Policies targeting public benefits often exclude undocumented individuals, leaving many without critical healthcare support.

Economic Inequality

• Hispanic individuals are overrepresented in low-wage jobs with little job security, benefits, or upward mobility.
• Redlining and discriminatory lending practices have prevented Hispanic families from building generational wealth through homeownership.

The Cost of Systemic Oppression

Generational Trauma The colonization, displacement, and discrimination experienced by Hispanic communities have created generational trauma. This trauma manifests in issues like poverty, limited access to opportunities, and mental health challenges.

Erosion of Cultural Identity Systemic efforts to erase Hispanic culture and language—whether through English-only laws or cultural assimilation—have led to a loss of identity for many. Policies that restrict bilingual education, for instance, undermine the preservation of Hispanic heritage.

Community Disparities Hispanic neighborhoods are often subject to environmental racism, facing higher levels of pollution and fewer resources like parks and grocery stores. These disparities directly impact health, education, and overall quality of life.

From Awareness to Action

Acknowledging History We cannot address the systemic oppression of Hispanic communities without acknowledging the historical roots of these inequities. From colonization to the present day, policies and practices have been intentionally designed to exploit and marginalize Hispanic people.

Reforming Child Welfare

• Culturally Competent Practices: Child welfare agencies must incorporate practices that respect and honor Hispanic cultural values, including extended family networks.
• Addressing Poverty, Not Removing Children: The system must distinguish between neglect and poverty, providing resources to keep families intact rather than removing children.
• Language Accessibility: Providing legal and casework support in families’ native languages is essential to ensuring equity.

Advocating for Equity

• Immigration Reform: Comprehensive immigration reform is needed to protect families, provide pathways to citizenship, and end the exploitation of undocumented workers.
• Education Investment: Hispanic communities need equitable funding for schools and programs that honor bilingual and bicultural education.
• Economic Opportunities: Policies that support wage equity, homeownership, and access to capital are critical for breaking cycles of poverty.

Conclusion

The systemic oppression of Hispanic communities is not a coincidence—it’s the result of centuries of policies and practices rooted in exploitation. The child welfare system, along with education, healthcare, and immigration policies, continues to perpetuate harm against Hispanic families.

Addressing these inequities requires not only dismantling oppressive systems but also building new ones that honor the strength, culture, and resilience of Hispanic communities. The time for change is now—and it begins with acknowledging the truth.