Chilean Case
The presence of Chilean migrants is important
since the effective incorportation of Patagonia to the Argentine
state. These migrants were numerous in the border towns
and in the countryside. They were also present since the
early years of Comodoro Rivadavia. However, during the first
half of the 20th century, they constituted a minority among
a foreign population comprised mainly of European immigrants.
Whereas in 1920, two-thirds of the foreign population
was European, only 1% was of Chilean origin. In contrast,
the 1947 census data shows that there were 5,289 Chileans in
Comodoro Rivadavia and they constituted the largest group among
the foreigners. They were followed by Spaniards (3,605), Portuguese
(1,258), etc. At this time in Comodoro Rivadavia, total number
of European inhabitants was 10,011. Interestingly, in
1960, census information reveals that in the province of Chubut
there were only 10,452 Europeans while the growing number of
Chilean migrants had reached 16,080 (1).
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Worker registry for the oil company Petroquimica
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Immigration from Chile to Comodoro
Rivadavia, Argentina began in the early 1900's in
small quantities, mainly to the city of Río
Gallegos in the province of Santa Cruz. These
early settlers created the foundations which future Chilean immigrants
would utilize as networks. Since the 1950's, Comodoro
Rivadavia became the destination for an increasing amount of Chilean
migrants. The island of Chiloé is the most significant
area of origin of these migrants. Other areas of Chile also contributed
with important numbers of migrants, including, Valdavia,
Aysen, Llanquihue, Osorno and Cautín.
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Aladino Colivoro - migrant
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click image for larger versionGraciela Llaipen - migrant
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Video clip Describes his journey from Chiloé,
Chile to Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina.
Transcript of video clip
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Video clip Describes the networks used to facilitate
migration
Transcript of video clips
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For the most part, since its initiation
in 1950, Chilean migration has been economically motivated. While
in the 1970's, some Chileans were attempting to escape from forced
military service, the majority continued to migrate due to economic
reasons. Like the European and Argentine case, these Chilean travelers
utilized networks of chain migration.
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version
Luis Mayorga - migrant
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Video clip
Describes the economic
Transcript
of video clip/ archives
Describes the economic hardships for
leaving.
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The process of entering Argentina was more dificult for these
immigrants than any other group. The Chilean waves
of immigration coincided with immigration restrictions
into Argentina. However, because a vast land boundary exists
between Chile and Argentina, illegal migration is highly feasible. For
instance, many entered where no official posts existed
or would hide in vehicles where posts did exist. Arriving ilegally into
Argentina, Chileans spent their first months waiting for
identity documentation while creating labor networks. |
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Letter confirming an Astra worker returned home to Chile
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In the late 1950's, possibilities created
by the so called "oil boom" attracted large numbers of workers from
Chile. As a result, the city of Comodoro Rivadavia witnessed the
emergence of new Between 1958 and 1967, Chilean families could occupy
plots of land which they were allowed to claim after paying local government.peripheral
neighborhoods. Many of the workers made these neighborhoods
their home. For example, many Chileans settled in the outskirts
of Comodoro Rivadavia in places like Barrio San Martín, a predominantly
Chilean neighborhood. The majority of workers were involved in manual
labor for the oil companies.
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Rosa Pincol - migrant
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Video clip Describes her arrival and first impressions
of Comodoro Rivadavia
Transcript of video clip/ archives
Describes her arrival and impressions
of Comodoro Rivadavia
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Barrio San Martin
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To get a better glimpse of the Barrio and the people who live
there, click here .
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