difference is challenged only by the advent of economic changes which are hastened by

transnational migration. While the onset of similarities between the two groups may be part of

the proletarianization of the indigenous community, it is also a product of San Pedro Pinula's

long history of forced labor, ethnic tensions, and unequal gender and ethnic relations.

 The final hypothesis examines the connection between a migrant's length of time in the

United States and his wife's engagement in income deriving activities. In some cases, migrants

on extended stays decrease their remittances, which forces the wife to engage in income deriving

activities. In cases where the wife no longer receives what she considers sufficient-along with

rumors of marital infidelity and fear of abandonment-some women attempt to make money

outside the home. Women who sell in the markets often have been widowed or abandoned, or

have merely stopped receiving money from their husbands abroad. There are cases of men who

maintain steady support of their families in Guatemala despite extended absence (over five

years).

 Transnational Migration and Ethnic Relations

 While international migration has effected positive change, notably opportunities for social

and economic mobility in San Pedro Pinula, these transformations still remain insignificant for

women and the indigenous Maya. Due to their status as the dominant group and resultant social

and economic advantages, Ladino return male migrants maintain the ability to permanently

reestablish themselves, starting successful businesses in their home community. Consequently,

they are the least likely to return to the migrant circuit. On the other hand, Ladino women, and

Maya men and women, are the most likely to remain caught in the interminable cycle of circular

migration, unable to return to the home community on a permanent basis. Levitt (2001) found

that among Dominican migrants, those who left poor, with little education, and no land failed to

establish income-generating activities once they returned from the United States. While the