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Homelands: Four Friends, Two Countries, and the Fate of the Great Mexican-American Migration
From prizewinning journalist and immigration expert Alfredo Corchado comes the sweeping story of the great Mexican migration from the late 1980s to today.
When Alfredo Corchado moved to Philadelphia in 1987, he felt as if he was the only Mexican in the city. But in a restaurant called Tequilas, he connected with two other Mexican men and one Mexican American, all feeling similarly isolated. Over the next three decades, the four friends continued to meet, coming together over their shared Mexican roots and their love of tequila. One was a radical activist, another a restaurant/tequila entrepreneur, the third a lawyer/politician. Alfredo himself was a young reporter for the Wall Street Journal.
Homelands merges the political and the personal, telling the story of the last great Mexican migration through the eyes of four friends at a time when the Mexican population in the United States swelled from 700,000 people during the 1970s to more than 35 million people today. It is the narrative of the United States in a painful economic and political transition.
As we move into a divisive, nativist new era of immigration politics, Homelands is a must-read to understand the past and future of the immigrant story in the United States, and the role of Mexicans in shaping America's history. A deeply moving book full of colorful characters searching for home, it is essential reading.
When Alfredo Corchado moved to Philadelphia in 1987, he felt as if he was the only Mexican in the city. But in a restaurant called Tequilas, he connected with two other Mexican men and one Mexican American, all feeling similarly isolated. Over the next three decades, the four friends continued to meet, coming together over their shared Mexican roots and their love of tequila. One was a radical activist, another a restaurant/tequila entrepreneur, the third a lawyer/politician. Alfredo himself was a young reporter for the Wall Street Journal.
Homelands merges the political and the personal, telling the story of the last great Mexican migration through the eyes of four friends at a time when the Mexican population in the United States swelled from 700,000 people during the 1970s to more than 35 million people today. It is the narrative of the United States in a painful economic and political transition.
As we move into a divisive, nativist new era of immigration politics, Homelands is a must-read to understand the past and future of the immigrant story in the United States, and the role of Mexicans in shaping America's history. A deeply moving book full of colorful characters searching for home, it is essential reading.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2018
71 people are currently reading
1790 people want to read
About the author
Alfredo Corchado
3 books70 followersAlfredo Corchado is the Mexico Bureau Chief of the Dallas Morning News. He was a Nieman Fellow ‘09, a Wilson Fellow and a Rockefeller Fellow. Corchado has received Columbia University’s Maria Moors Cabot Award for his reporting and the Elijah Parish Award for Courage from Colby College. He lives in Mexico City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 7, 2025
Alfredo came to the United States when he was a child in Mexico. He worked in the fields along with his family and when he grew up, he became a journalist. A fine one at that. What makes his writing so interesting is it has a personal touch, Letting you know how he feels about things and how he reacts to things. And his second novel, midnight in Mexico, he is running from the cartel in Mexico and you get the feel for the danger that he is in. This book takes place in and around 2018 during Trump‘s first term. At this time, Trump was separating children from their parents and putting people in cages. It was a very trying time for many of us in America. Now in 2025 everything has escalated and it feels as if America is falling to pieces. And it is.
unable-to-finish
October 6, 2020dnf at page 98
February 27, 2019
In Homelands, journalist Alfredo Corchado uses his friendship with three men to explore immigration from Mexico to the US over the last few decades. I enjoyed the content of this book, both the evolution of the men’s personal lives, work and activism as well as the information about Mexican immigration. It definitely makes me realize that I need to learn more topics such as the impact of US demand for illegal drugs on immigration and crime from Mexico. The research on economic influences on the rates of immigration and perceptions of Mexican immigrants was interesting. Unfortunately, the writing was too long-winded for my liking. I felt like it could have used lots of editing to make it tighter.
Corchado is coming to a local book fair soon and I look forward to hearing him speak!
Corchado is coming to a local book fair soon and I look forward to hearing him speak!
July 27, 2018
Corchado has pulled off a deft balancing act here. Ostensibly a tale of four friends who form a lifelong bond over tequila and authentic Mexican food, the book explores the long history of migration to the United States, the changing world migrants face today, and the effects of American policies on Mexico and on Mexican-Americans. Particularly interesting to me was a viewpoint on NAFTA that I had not considered before.
Corchado deals with some complex and challenging issues, not shying from the dark side of the United States’ relationship with Mexico, or from the internal challenges that Mexico faces. But he keeps everything grounded by focusing not just on the issues, but on the stories of the people caught in the middle – including his own family.
The book is also sprinkled with the camaraderie, the deep bond between the four friends. Just when things seem to be getting a bit heavy, there is the laughter, the warmth of friends sharing a special moment over a special tequila. The evolution and growth of the friends and the friendship, and the author’s own journey, provide a depth and a sense of personal connection to the narrative.
I very much enjoyed Corchado’s “Midnight in Mexico,” but “Homelands” makes it clear that Corchado has grown as a writer since then. Very powerful and very moving.
Corchado deals with some complex and challenging issues, not shying from the dark side of the United States’ relationship with Mexico, or from the internal challenges that Mexico faces. But he keeps everything grounded by focusing not just on the issues, but on the stories of the people caught in the middle – including his own family.
The book is also sprinkled with the camaraderie, the deep bond between the four friends. Just when things seem to be getting a bit heavy, there is the laughter, the warmth of friends sharing a special moment over a special tequila. The evolution and growth of the friends and the friendship, and the author’s own journey, provide a depth and a sense of personal connection to the narrative.
I very much enjoyed Corchado’s “Midnight in Mexico,” but “Homelands” makes it clear that Corchado has grown as a writer since then. Very powerful and very moving.
February 16, 2021
I am reading in two non-fiction genres intentionally these days in order to better understand the African American experience and the immigrant experience. I started on this quest a little over a year ago in response to the regular killing by police of unarmed black men and the imprisonment, separation, and alleged sexual exploitation of migrant children seeking asylum. This is one such book.
Corchado is a journalist, but the story is largely told about his personal experience, some of which is related to his profession but a lot of it is about his struggle with what homeland means to him and to his closest friends and family members. His family immigrated to the United States when he was young and they all had experience picking produce in the California Central Valley, but once they had green cards and some degree of financial stability they moved to the border. The author does a good job of talking about the phenomena on the US-Mexico border as it relates to Mexican families. Some live on the US side, in his case El Paso, and some live on the Mexico side, but for them the border is without meaning, a fluid place that regardless of which side you live on your family, your culture and your language are the same.
Corchado sent to college in El Paso, but then moved for his first job. He found two things: the first that he deeply missed his family and culture, so much so that he sought out people who were like him where he was. The second is that he wanted to return to the land of his birth, to live in Mexico. It was like he had a homing device, always pulling him southward. Over the years covered in this memoir he does return home and he does live for a time in Mexico, but as is true for many immigrants, he became a part of his new country as well, and to my ear he ends up feeling that his homeland is where his friends and family are, that it is not one place but rather many.
Corchado is a journalist, but the story is largely told about his personal experience, some of which is related to his profession but a lot of it is about his struggle with what homeland means to him and to his closest friends and family members. His family immigrated to the United States when he was young and they all had experience picking produce in the California Central Valley, but once they had green cards and some degree of financial stability they moved to the border. The author does a good job of talking about the phenomena on the US-Mexico border as it relates to Mexican families. Some live on the US side, in his case El Paso, and some live on the Mexico side, but for them the border is without meaning, a fluid place that regardless of which side you live on your family, your culture and your language are the same.
Corchado sent to college in El Paso, but then moved for his first job. He found two things: the first that he deeply missed his family and culture, so much so that he sought out people who were like him where he was. The second is that he wanted to return to the land of his birth, to live in Mexico. It was like he had a homing device, always pulling him southward. Over the years covered in this memoir he does return home and he does live for a time in Mexico, but as is true for many immigrants, he became a part of his new country as well, and to my ear he ends up feeling that his homeland is where his friends and family are, that it is not one place but rather many.
December 28, 2024
an essential read if you want to understand more about the Border, about the history of the continent, and about what it means to be from two places. Really.
August 7, 2022
I’d rate this book between 2.5 and 3 stars.
This book made me realize how little I knew about the history of Mexico and Mexican immigration to the U.S., which motivated me to read more about this topic. However, this book was not the right one for me to start learning more about such a heavy topic.
It was half memoir and half history on the Mexican immigration to the U.S. without committing to either. And that made me feel less engaged with this book. It was dry, and I was unable to connect with the author or feel for him and his experience as an immigrant as well as I expected. And that was due to the lack of personal writing, despite the nostalgic theme throughout the book. I truly had a hard time reading it, that I had to put it aside for a while before picking it up to resume reading it.
Also, what bothered me the most was his talking about Israel as the Jewish diaspora model for immigration, which motivated him to visit Israel to understand the “model” more, which triggered me a little. Especially since he completely dismissed the Palestinian experience, their diaspora, and how they are being forced out of their homes and country.
However, he did mention that they were not allowed to meet with Palestinians because they were supposed to visit Israel to “give them an understanding” of Israel, not its “conflict with Palestine.” And I’m not surprised that they were forbidden from outings to Palestine, but surprised the author never took the time to discuss the Palestinian diaspora the way he did with Israel.
I didn’t sense he was glorifying Israel, but sounded like he was comparing it in a way to the Mexican immigration history or the Mexican diaspora. And that left me very confused because both conditions are VERY different. And I know this is not a book about Palestine or Israel, but since the author mentioned the topic, I didn’t know where he was going with it. And to be fair, I might have missed what he tried to say when he discussed it (very very very briefly) throughout the book, but it didn’t make sense to me.
However, I appreciated him discussing that an Israeli tour guide (one of many) was embracing Trump and treating him as America’s saviour, dismissing every horrible thing Trump said about Mexicans. That obviously bothered Alfredo Corchado and his team, which led to heated arguments, reminding the Trump supporter that they just walked out of the Holocaust museum.
Anyway, this is an important book that could’ve been excellent if it was more personal, vulnerable, and engaging.
This book made me realize how little I knew about the history of Mexico and Mexican immigration to the U.S., which motivated me to read more about this topic. However, this book was not the right one for me to start learning more about such a heavy topic.
It was half memoir and half history on the Mexican immigration to the U.S. without committing to either. And that made me feel less engaged with this book. It was dry, and I was unable to connect with the author or feel for him and his experience as an immigrant as well as I expected. And that was due to the lack of personal writing, despite the nostalgic theme throughout the book. I truly had a hard time reading it, that I had to put it aside for a while before picking it up to resume reading it.
Also, what bothered me the most was his talking about Israel as the Jewish diaspora model for immigration, which motivated him to visit Israel to understand the “model” more, which triggered me a little. Especially since he completely dismissed the Palestinian experience, their diaspora, and how they are being forced out of their homes and country.
However, he did mention that they were not allowed to meet with Palestinians because they were supposed to visit Israel to “give them an understanding” of Israel, not its “conflict with Palestine.” And I’m not surprised that they were forbidden from outings to Palestine, but surprised the author never took the time to discuss the Palestinian diaspora the way he did with Israel.
I didn’t sense he was glorifying Israel, but sounded like he was comparing it in a way to the Mexican immigration history or the Mexican diaspora. And that left me very confused because both conditions are VERY different. And I know this is not a book about Palestine or Israel, but since the author mentioned the topic, I didn’t know where he was going with it. And to be fair, I might have missed what he tried to say when he discussed it (very very very briefly) throughout the book, but it didn’t make sense to me.
However, I appreciated him discussing that an Israeli tour guide (one of many) was embracing Trump and treating him as America’s saviour, dismissing every horrible thing Trump said about Mexicans. That obviously bothered Alfredo Corchado and his team, which led to heated arguments, reminding the Trump supporter that they just walked out of the Holocaust museum.
Anyway, this is an important book that could’ve been excellent if it was more personal, vulnerable, and engaging.
February 4, 2021
Let me start by saying I am not one who reads non-fiction, but this book, was everything I needed. As a first generation Latina I rarely hear the history of my Mexican ancestors. I am so thankful to learn about the great migration and how Mexicans everywhere have come to call the United States home. I loved Alfredos story telling and throughout the book became emotional because I could seem my tios, tias and grandparents in the story. Although at times dry with facts I highly suggest first, second, and third generation Mexican Americans to read this book. You will not regret it.
April 1, 2020
I enjoyed the content of this book. Alfredo Corchado explores the evolution of immigration in USA, focusing on the mexican people, and sharing stories from the hard working Braceros of the 1940’s to the new trend of immigrants in 2016. He describes his friendship with Primo, Ken, and David. He recounts their successes, failures and what it means for them to be binational. “America gave us the possibility to develop our Mexica-ness that in itself was worth the sacrifice”
As many immigrants would agree with me , the love for our county in my case, Mexico, is always present, and we are hopeful for the future of both our countries.
As many immigrants would agree with me , the love for our county in my case, Mexico, is always present, and we are hopeful for the future of both our countries.
December 16, 2020
DNF. I'm just not sure what the point of this book is. It's half memoir, half history of U.S.-Mexico immigration and doesn't fully commit to either. It's definitely written as a journalistic human interest piece on immigration policy turned book form. Would recommend only if you like memoirs or are starting from minimal knowledge on U.S. immigration
May 4, 2020
Homelands begins in 1987, when its Mexican-American author, Alfredo Corchado, admits how lonely he is in the city of Philadelphia a city to which he’s just moved. He decides to seek out friendships, mainly for his own self-preservation, but also because he misses speaking Spanish. The premise sounds simple, almost comic, but is delivered with such heart and sincerity that you feel the loneliness of the new city, and Corchado's desire to connect with someone from his homeland. Corchado writes with simple prose, and the author shows the power of his Mexican homeland in himself and his new mates. Corchado's homeland friends regularly meet in a restaurant named after the drink in which Mexico specializes: Tequilas. As they examine the art of sipping tequila, they become closer: “‘Despecito,’ [David] said. ‘Kiss it slowly. Savor it. Don’t slam it’” (4). Corchado uses drinking tequila as a metaphor for the way friendships and life should be savored, not slammed. The way the author uses this to begin Homelands is vital, to show the difference between the hurried life in the United States and the patient, unhurried lifestyle in Mexico. I loved its simple language and desire for friendship. Corchado spent years as a journalist, so his prose is clever and sharp, but this book is a labor of love.
November 19, 2020
I’ve always felt like the one of the best ways to tell a story about a problematic it’s through a particular experience. In Homelands, we learn about migration after reading about Alfredo Corchado and his groups of friends.
Outside of the traditional narrative of how hard it’s to cross the border, or how much sense does it make economically, this book touches another key question regarding immigration: identity. In Corchado’s memoir, all his friends and even his parents struggle to find a sense of belonging in either Mexico or the United States, finally forcing them to incorporate elements of both cultures.
The particularities of Homelands, I think, are universal: Who among us hasn’t been torn between two seemingly conflicting identities just to find out they complement each other? Who among us hasn’t changed their perception of identify after time passes?
Homelands is a heartwarming memoir with lots of good food and drinks while also being an inquiry about identity. Beautiful.
Outside of the traditional narrative of how hard it’s to cross the border, or how much sense does it make economically, this book touches another key question regarding immigration: identity. In Corchado’s memoir, all his friends and even his parents struggle to find a sense of belonging in either Mexico or the United States, finally forcing them to incorporate elements of both cultures.
The particularities of Homelands, I think, are universal: Who among us hasn’t been torn between two seemingly conflicting identities just to find out they complement each other? Who among us hasn’t changed their perception of identify after time passes?
Homelands is a heartwarming memoir with lots of good food and drinks while also being an inquiry about identity. Beautiful.
October 6, 2019
Great book to understand the Mexico-USA migration a little better, but above all to what it means to be Mexican-American.
May 11, 2022
Instead of writing a review I’ll spell out the book’s soundtrack- that should let you know everything you need to know about the book:
-“Hold back the tears”, Simply Red
-“Que no hay”, Miguel Bosé
-“Tu cárcel”, Los Bukis
-“Sweet Caroline”, Neil Diamond
-“Careless Whisper”, Wham!
-“Linger”, The Cranberries
-“La Bamba”, Los Lobos
- “Corazón Partío” Alejandro Sanz
- “Sombras Nada Más”, Javier Solís
- “Black Magic Woman” Carlos Santana
- “Migra” Carlos Santana
- “Animal” La Ley
- “Where the Streets Have No Name”, U2
- “Noche de Ronda”, Agustín Lara
- “Midnight train to Georgia”, Gladys Knight
- “Feeling Good”, Michael Bublè
- “Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Gracias al Sol)”, Juan Gabriel
- “Para qué me haces llorar”, Juan Gabriel
- “Siempre en mi mente”, Juan Gabriel
- “Amor Eterno”, Juan Gabriel
- “Un Puño de tierra”, Antonio Aguilar
- “When I Fall In Love”, Nat Jing Cole
- “My Way”, Frank Sinatra
- “Loko, Loko” Kinto Sol
- “Despacito” Luis Fonsi
- “Amo”, Miguel Bosé
- “La Ciudad de la Furia”, Sofa Stereo
- “What is Life?” George Harrison
- “My Sweet Lord”, George Harrison
- “Baraja de oro”, Los Relámpagos del Norte
- “Imagine”, John Lennon
- “Against the Wind”, Bob Seager
So there…
-“Hold back the tears”, Simply Red
-“Que no hay”, Miguel Bosé
-“Tu cárcel”, Los Bukis
-“Sweet Caroline”, Neil Diamond
-“Careless Whisper”, Wham!
-“Linger”, The Cranberries
-“La Bamba”, Los Lobos
- “Corazón Partío” Alejandro Sanz
- “Sombras Nada Más”, Javier Solís
- “Black Magic Woman” Carlos Santana
- “Migra” Carlos Santana
- “Animal” La Ley
- “Where the Streets Have No Name”, U2
- “Noche de Ronda”, Agustín Lara
- “Midnight train to Georgia”, Gladys Knight
- “Feeling Good”, Michael Bublè
- “Have You Ever Seen The Rain (Gracias al Sol)”, Juan Gabriel
- “Para qué me haces llorar”, Juan Gabriel
- “Siempre en mi mente”, Juan Gabriel
- “Amor Eterno”, Juan Gabriel
- “Un Puño de tierra”, Antonio Aguilar
- “When I Fall In Love”, Nat Jing Cole
- “My Way”, Frank Sinatra
- “Loko, Loko” Kinto Sol
- “Despacito” Luis Fonsi
- “Amo”, Miguel Bosé
- “La Ciudad de la Furia”, Sofa Stereo
- “What is Life?” George Harrison
- “My Sweet Lord”, George Harrison
- “Baraja de oro”, Los Relámpagos del Norte
- “Imagine”, John Lennon
- “Against the Wind”, Bob Seager
So there…
November 4, 2018
What a timely book to read while staring down the barrel of the 2018 US Midterm elections! Alfredo Corchado brings the border to life over a period of decades, recalling for me happy times spent in Nogales as a young Army officer stationed at Ft. Huachuca in the 1980s.
I was prompted to purchase this book by Alfredo Corchado's talk with Lawrence Wright at the 2018 Texas Book Fair in Austin, TX. I'd recently read Wright's _God Bless Texas_ and took to heart the Book Fair's suggestion that they made a good pairing. I was not disappointed.
I don't know that it will win the hearts and minds of those who hate and fear immigrants, as those commitments are already firmly set, but for those of us who still value the contributions of immigrants -- and want to hear their stories -- it's a great read.
I was prompted to purchase this book by Alfredo Corchado's talk with Lawrence Wright at the 2018 Texas Book Fair in Austin, TX. I'd recently read Wright's _God Bless Texas_ and took to heart the Book Fair's suggestion that they made a good pairing. I was not disappointed.
I don't know that it will win the hearts and minds of those who hate and fear immigrants, as those commitments are already firmly set, but for those of us who still value the contributions of immigrants -- and want to hear their stories -- it's a great read.
February 17, 2020
Corchado successfully introduces the reader to the complexities of immigration law interacting with the circumstances of individuals' lives, explaining why "legal" and "illegal" are less cut-and-dried than non-immigrants often suppose. This was valuable to me. However, I have found that I don't enjoy memoirs very much, and would prefer to absorb this information in the form of a history article or a straightforward journalism piece. I think I would enjoy Corchado's Midnight in Mexico more.
July 7, 2020
While this informative book definitely provided a unique perspective of the author and many other immigrants on life caught between 2 countries and cultures, the tone was often more nostalgic than I was hoping, making it a bit hard to read at times being an expat myself. Based on how much I enjoyed the read I would have to give 2 stars, but it was well-researched and interesting, so it really deserves 4 stars...
March 9, 2021
Alfredo Corchado’s “Homelands” begins as a chronicle of the author’s friendship with three other men who live in Philadelphia but have ties to Mexico. Together, their stories offer an intriguing perspective on the debate over immigration and the ties that bind the U.S. and Mexico.
Mr. Corchado has a gift for showing us the human side of a complex political issue, but his story is marred by some confusing transitions (or the lack of them) between scenes, as well as some regrettable typos.
Mr. Corchado has a gift for showing us the human side of a complex political issue, but his story is marred by some confusing transitions (or the lack of them) between scenes, as well as some regrettable typos.
December 20, 2021
I enjoyed this book but was a little disappointed in the writing. Seems like it could have used a little more editing and a lot of people are mentioned who don't seem particularly relevant to the story. It's good and it does give a really valuable perspective of the complicated relationship between Mexicans and Americans and the issues of assimilation, loving your country, cultural identity and stuff. So, definitely worth the read.
August 28, 2018
Amazing read! Thanks Alfredo Corchado for the wonderful stories and information you put into this.
If you are looking for a book to help you find insight on what it is to me an immigrant, legal or not. I highly recommend this book. Telling you a story from working fields to drinking wonderful tequila.
If you are looking for a book to help you find insight on what it is to me an immigrant, legal or not. I highly recommend this book. Telling you a story from working fields to drinking wonderful tequila.
September 27, 2018
A lovely read on the US-Mexico migration corridor. The title 'Homelands' points to multiple identities and feelings of belongingness people have in a transnational world. A personal portrait of Noth America, facts woven in the personal accounts of four friends. Finely balanced on personal and political, on emotions and facts.
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September 27, 2021This was a great book to read during Hispanic Heritage month. Thanks to the Newport Beach Public Library (of all places!) for recommending this title and introducing me to this book and author that I would have otherwise missed! I learned so much from this book that it could be considered a textbook on this subject in my opinion.
April 8, 2024
A great look into the Mexican migration to the US and how it has changed over the years. The details on how the politics in Mexico and the US have ebbed and flowed gave great insight into how things have come to be now. I had a personal interest having grown up near Philadelphia and frequented Tequilas (and met David).
March 5, 2019
The stories of Corchado and his three friends illustrate decades of interaction across the U.S.-Mexico border. They raise questions about identity, authenticity, family, and policy. Good book for a discussion group of educators.
March 12, 2019
I so, so recommend this book. An important subject (Mexican migration) told in a super interesting story. I didn’t know much of the history that led us to the current situation and fear-mongering - this read was very eye opening. Read it!
October 6, 2022
A memoir that shows what it takes to be a great journalist. No big ego on display here. He is constantly aware of where he came from. Super interesting and personal take on being a second-generation Latino immigrant and how that differs from being a European immigrant.
May 31, 2025
I enjoyed the content of this book, but not the execution (hence the three stars). I found the writing long winded, and sometimes disjointed… what year we are in and who is “talking.” I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the border and migrant experience.
June 18, 2018
A timely story of lives that unfold across the border, shaped by the border but never reduced to it. An important and timely book.
August 26, 2018
An easy, insightful and timely read!
December 12, 2018
A short history of the Mexican American Border and great migration of Mexicans, and the Mexican who stayed, Mexican Americans, Chicanos and Pochos. A fascinating read, insightful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews