CASE STUDY The Aymaras in Arica and Taracapá The Aymaras are an indigenous group that has lived on the border of Chile and Peru since before the founding of the two countries. The Aymaras are nomadic shepherds and crafters who sell their wares in town markets as they travel.242 Thus the birth of Aymara children can occur in either Chile or Peru, depending on the group’s movements. Researchers have documented nearly 200 cases of Aymara children who were registered in Chile as born to “in transit” parents and were therefore denied Chilean nationality. Rectifying the situation for these children and ensuring others do not fall into the same gap has been complicated by language barriers—some Aymaras do not speak Spanish, and the authorities do not speaking Aymara— cultural barriers, and the absence of governmental entities in the area. Fortunately, the children of Aymaras have been able to attend public schools despite lacking Chilean nationality. However, their years of schooling are not officially recognized, affecting their promotion from grade to grade, and they cannot access the “beca indígena,” a special scholarship the Chilean government provides to indigenous people to finance the cost of post-secondary education. The situation of Aymaras who lack nationality is likely to become more dire: as borders within their ancestral lands become increasingly securitized, and the Aymara are forced to abandon their traditional way of life, the education of their young people takes on mounting importance. Without greater outreach efforts by Chile’s government, more Aymaras are likely to be left without nationality, without educational opportunities, and thus without prospects for the future. As the Aymaras’ case study illustrates, Chile struggles to extend citizenship to all of its people, especially minority groups in remote locations. Changes in government policy and the interpretation of the “in transit” designation, often combined with discrimination, have created significant challenges in realizing citizenship rights. These challenges can be surmounted, but only through concerted effort by Chile’s government. BORN IN THE AMERICAS 61