ABSTRACT

Paula was born in a small town in Paraguay. She has eight siblings, and has never met her father. Paula’s mother was not able to look after all of her children, so Paula grew up in the same town, but with the family of an uncle. When Paula was fourteen, her aunt and the other children immigrated to the US. The aunt wanted to take Paula with her as well, but Paula’s mother refused. Paula’s uncle also found it hard to let all of his children go. But he eventually agreed, because he thought their future prospects were better in the US. After finishing high school, Paula moved to the capital Asunción and started her university studies while sharing a flat with other students. One day, with only her aunt’s telephone number in her suitcase, Paula left for Buenos Aires. She soon found a job looking after the household and children of a working couple. Eventually, Paula got to know her husband-to-be, who had also emigrated from Paraguay. The couple lived in Buenos Aires for ten years, during which time Paula gave birth to four children while continuing to work throughout as a domestic helper. In the course of the Argentinean economic crisis Paula and her family moved back to her hometown in Paraguay. Soon after, Paula attempted to immigrate to Spain. She borrowed money and tried to enter with a tourist visa. However, she was held at the airport and sent back to Paraguay.