La otra lado, the other side...
There is a fence just down the I-5 that separates the United States of America from the United States of Mexico. On one side of the fence there is a line...a line of people waiting and waiting for their turn to cross to the other side. Walking into Mexico we are now all corralled into a razor wire high fenced in, slightly over sized sidewalk that is uphill (for seniors and disabled as well), through federal property (no rights in this zone) then zip through the familiar turnstile. Soon Mexico will have a brand new facility to welcome visitors, for now its down
the stairs and viola “Viva Mexico”!
However coming from Mexico into the U.S. be prepared for “the line”or “La Linea” as the regulars call it. The pedestrian line can reach up to a thousand people on any given day, taking anywhere from two to three hours. Reaching five hours during the Christmas Season.
The line during December shows Mexicans like to shop and they shop in the U.S.
(and this is a problem I ask?).
Who are these people from all walks of life? All ages and ethnicity's, that stand in the sun for hours at a time,that bring umbrellas for rain or shine. Where are they going and how does this affect their lives? To help clear any misconceptions about the thousands of people who cross this line for whatever reason, to show the real people, who have shown great patience and humility while enduring this process at the International border, some on a daily basis, for years at a time. I have created “The Faces of the Line” or in Spanish “Caras de la Linea”.
I have asked the people waiting in line if they would like to have their picture taken and answer one or all of the following questions, along with what is your Name and what Country are you from
and permission to use the photo.
- How often do you cross?
- What is the longest you have waited?
- What is the one thing you always bring with you to the la linea?
- Where are you going? or if you prefer, How long is your commute?
- Do you feel welcome when you enter the US? (CBP)
- Would your life change if the border was open and how?
Believing that only through understanding do we find compassion and with
compassion hopefully one day peace. Living without fear accepting each other.
