The mission of the Latino Migrant Laborer Initiative is to describe and analyze the host of social and health issues and dilemmas documented and undocumented Latinos contend with on a daily basis, and understand these issues in the broadest context possible. The aim is to provide greater insight beyond stereotypic popular assumptions that circulate regarding this population, which too often lead to their marginalization, neglect or outright oppression.

We support awareness of the concept of "structural vulnterability" as a key dynamic affecting Latino migrant laborers, as well as all marginalized populations, as well as of the need to operationalize it as a diagnostic category. Much greater awareness needs to be given to how social and structural forces impact the individual and collective lives of this population, going beyond individualist, behavioral approaches. Institutional practices are currently compartmentalized and inadequately address complex interrelationships (e.g., how migrant health issues involve immigration status, housing, jobs). Further, socially respectful practices that address basic human and health rights can be more cost-effective than socially exclusionary practices.

By providing greater understanding of the lives of Latino migrant laborers, our hope is to contribute to the national dialogue on citizenship and immigrant rights, and the pursuit of enlightened public policy affecting this community.

With this new initiative, CCI pledges to:

• Undertake socially engaged research exploring the social and structural forces that shape the lives and health of Latino migrants, locally and globally;

• Establish and maintain university-community collaborative projects that address the needs of Latino migrant laborers;

• Train students and service providers in qualitative research, and;

• Participate in local, national and global forums (academic, applied, policy) that contribute to more humane and enlightened public policy.