“This is the third of four in the “Reflections on the Border” a series

“For those migrants that we spoke to, migration was akin to survival.”

Why did I choose to participate in the Migrant Lives Border Immersion (MLBI)? To learn about the lives of migrants on both sides of the border. I wanted to create my own narrative about migrants as I saw it, heard it and hopefully understood it. I didn’t want to be held captive by any type of rhetoric espoused on migration issues specifically regarding individuals from Mexico and Central America. I wanted to see this issue from the perspective of those who are most impacted and those in service of this issue. My personal motto for this trip was “Open mind, Open heart”. 

CALIFORNIA, THE AGRICULTURAL STATE

Migrant farm workers are a highly specialized workforce that play a crucial role in the agricultural industry in California. Without them, it would be impossible to sustain this billion-dollar industry that exports produce to various international markets. The increase restrictions on hiring workers that reside outside of the United States have resulted in worker shortages.  As a result, there have been cases where acres of crops are lost due to an insufficient workforce during harvest time.

Farm work is hard work as described by a representative at the Monterey County Farm Bureau (MCFB), one of the organizations we visited on the first day of the immersion. Very few natural born Americans seek out this type of employment. Why? Because it is hard work that is performed often times in unfavorable conditions and long hours in the fields. So, why would someone leave their native lands to do this type of work?  Because despite the challenges, this “opportunity” is a step forward for many to build a decent life for themselves.  One migrant worker we spoke to was asked “From 1-10, how would you rank your life?” His response, “seven”.  Why? He has a car and fridge full of food, things he didn’t believe he would be able to attain in his homeland.

CAN WE LIVE? MIGRANTS SOUTH OF THE BORDER

The stories/lives of migrants on both sides of the border are varied, but the one commonality is the desire to build a decent life for themselves and their families.

We had an opportunity to speak with various sojourners in Tijuana that are temporarily housed at shelters.  The two stories that stuck with me even after the trip were from two young men. One, in his early 30s and another only 21 years old.  Both had made the months long journey to Tijuana.  The young man in his early 30s, originally from El Salvador, shared with us that he is a mechanic by trade and once owned a mechanic shop.  However, the gangs took his shop. It was unsafe for him to stay there so he left his partner, young son and mother behind to establish himself elsewhere. The 21-year old male, traveled from Guatemala to Tijuana to escape violence as well.  In his case, a foreign mining company came into his community sparking protests. Gang members, allegedly hired by the government, came in and killed all those who protested against the company including his uncle, a local pastor.

The Global Witness, a British nonprofit reported that 164 environmental activists were killed in 2018. About 51% of those murders took place in South and Central American countries with Guatemala experiencing a recent surge. The mining (and other extractives) sector is believed to be associated with the highest number of activist deaths.

THE HELPERS

Who are the helpers? I am in awe and also inspired by the work organizations such as Instituto Madre Asunta (IMA) (Editor note: no link provided because a warning of potential security issues comes up – make of that what you will given what the organization does), Casa Del Migrante (CM), and Border Angels (BA) are doing to meet the needs of migrants. The IMA serves primarily women and children. CM, a men’s shelter, has now opened its doors to women and children and provides a wide range of social services in addition to food and shelter. The BA are at the forefront, advocating for human rights and immigration reform, at the US-Mexico Border. Each of these organizations are using what little they have, stretching it to meet the needs of the most.

It is hard work, but each director we have spoken to is fully committed to the people that come to them for help. Sometimes, at the risk of their own lives and well being.

LINGERING CONCERNS

For those migrants that we spoke to, migration was akin to survival. I am concerned about the criminalization of migration for the sake of those who are seeking better circumstances.

Presently, we are witnessing an exodus of people primarily from Central and South America moving northwards in search of a conflict free life, a life that they believe is untenable right now in their native homes. Compounding this present issue with environmental migration as a result of natural disasters and a changing climate, will governments continue to close their borders towards those that are in need?  Will those seeking refuge be criminalized?

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