Early Guyanese Migrants in America 

Jul 03, 2026 Letters

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Dear Editor,

America is celebrating its 250th anniversary since its independence from Britain. During that period, waves of immigrants from different of the world came to USA. Guyanese started coming after the 1965 Immigration Act that allowed non-White immigrants into the US. Post 1965, pathways for migration opened up for immigrants from the third world.  Migration, both legal and illegal, into the US increased, stirring up discussions on the growing presence of non-White people; pre-1965, Europeans were favored. Because of the shortage of labor brought about by the Vietnam War, the border became semi-open allowing for migrants from Guyana. The Guyanese experience in USA had (or have had) opportunities, but they also had to endure hardships. Their vulnerable presence in USA made them targets for exploitation and abuse. The experience or history of early Guyanese should be remembered. At the same time, one must keep in mind the policy of the Trump Administration to reverse immigration from the third world.

Early Guyanese immigrants, except for students, were undocumented (meaning illegal); most came as visitors and students (I-20) and violated their visa terms in order to remain in USA, working illegally to support themselves and families back in Guyana. Some Guyanese also came with work permits in the science or medical, accounting, engineering, and agricultural sectors. For the most part, most early Guyanese migrants, from 1960s thru 1980s, were illegal in USA. Guyanese, particularly the illegals, faced a most difficult life. They lived with uncertainty while contributing significantly to the American economy. They were not (and have not been) burden on the state unlike many other immigrants from Latin America. They have contributed a lot more to America than the services they have received over the last 60 years.

It is not known how many Guyanese (and those of Guyanese origin going back to the 1960s) are in USA. It is estimated at over one million. It is not known how many are currently illegal or were undocumented during various years (1960s and thereafter). It took at least two years for undocumented Guyanese to obtain ‘status’ (green card) during 1960s and longer during the 1970s and 1980s depending on sponsorship of relatives and businesses; thousands are known to be currently undocumented. And Guyanese are still migrating to USA (and to Canada) in large numbers although not as illegals because of the severe crackdown by the Trump Administration on undocumented.

Guyanese came to the US to escape limited opportunities, marginalisation, and aspects of persecution in their homeland. They were pursuing employment opportunities and tertiary education, economic stability, and in general a better future for themselves and their families. Many found work in textile and clothing factories, construction, light manufacturing, restaurants, medical institutions, engineering firms, and domestic service. Their labor helped sustain many industries that were essential to the nation’s economy.

Life has been most difficult for illegal Guyanese. Undocumented workers tend to receive low wages, work long hours, face unsafe working conditions, and live in hazardous, overcrowded (tenement) housing. They often faced raids by immigration agents; if caught, they faced the court and deported. They also faced limited access to health care. Because they feared deportation for working illegally, they were reluctant to report their companies for wage and safety violations. Wage theft, injuries, abuse by employers, and housing violations went unreported.

Early immigrants were known to work multiple jobs and some pursued educational opportunities; full time (tertiary) students also worked to pay bills. Despite these challenges, they began to build strong communities. They established networks to assist one another. They also started religious and cultural institutions and organisations going back to the late 1960s and early 1970s in buildings where they clustered. By the mid-1980s, temples and masjids were established in Queens and Bronx. And by the 1990s, churches were established in Queens and Brooklyn. There are dozens of mandirs (at least 65) and masjids (at least 15) all over Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn and several churches (12) in Queens and Brooklyn.  Also founded, were cultural (non-profit NGOs promoting Guyanese culture), social organisations (halls, restaurants, bars, rum shops, etc.), stores (West Indian groceries) around which the lives of Guyanese have revolved for connections with lifestyle as practised in Guyana.

The experience of early Guyanese immigrants (1st generation) must remind us of the difficult life they lived. Their (and that of subsequent generations) perseverance, hard work, and success have become part of the broader American story, even as they have faced mounting challenges. As scholars reflect on America at 250, it must be noted that the nation’s history has been shaped by people from many countries and backgrounds, including Guyanese of all ethnicities, who sought opportunity, contributed through hard work, and have left behind a better future for succeeding generation (s).

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

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• America, Guyanese migrants, Letters, Vietnam War, Vishnu Bisram

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