Illicit Inhabitants: Empire, Immigration, Race, and Sexuality on the U.S.-Mexico Border, 1891-1924 (original) (raw)

The following study represents a long and challenging journey that began in the fall of 2001 and has left me indebted to professors, colleagues, fellow graduate students, friends, and especially my family, who encouraged and supported me when I needed it most, when I sometimes thought that I would not finish. The gentle admonitions communicated with kindness and smiles kept me going, and for that I am eternally grateful. I begin with my committee to whom I owe a great measure of gratitude. Ernesto Chávez's commitment to his students and his patient mentoring inspires me. I am deeply indebted to Ernie for setting me on the right path and guiding me through this phase of my education and career. He was incredibly generous with his time and offered invaluable advice when I found myself adrift in my research and writing. He is the kind of mentor I aspire to be. I also thank Emma M. Pérez who challenged my interest in Feminist Theory, Queer Theory, and Literary Criticism. Emma became more than a teacher and mentor; she became a friend, and I am a better woman for that. I am also grateful to Cynthia Bejarano, a fellow "fronteriza" who understands the complexities of gendered violence on the U.S.-Mexico border. My conversations with her about the brutality exacted on the feminine body have led me to think of borders in different and complicated yet exciting ways. I thank her for sharing her organic wisdom. I thank Jeffrey Shepherd for his guidance through the administrative process that this endeavor entails. Jeff's ability to endure my frustration with myself and with the bureaucracy was impressive, and that along with his genuine desire to see me succeed is deeply appreciated. I am also incredibly thankful for the support and knowledge shared by the faculty from the History Department at The University of Texas at El Paso. I thank Cheryl Martin, whose class on Colonial Mexico convinced me to pursue a major in History. I am thankful to Sam vi