Witness at the Border: #6 - The People

They come from places like Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicauragua, and other parts of Mexico. Waiting in camp for a long series of court dates to adjudicate their claims for asylum in the U.S. (or the possibility of a quick deportation under one of the new fast-track processes).

home school, camp style

There is a mix of young families (the camp has lots of children) and solo adults (both, younger and middle-aged adults). Their stories are similar. No job opportunities. Threats of violence. Reports of actual violence to other family members. No future where they came from.

Some other things most of the camp residents have in common are: warm and friendly personalities; amazing resourcefulness and determination; a poignant mix of hope and resignation about their futures and the likelihood of success with their asylum claims.

One thing is clear. These are people you would be pleased to know. These are people you would welcome as neighbors, co-workers, friends. Even if you agree with the U.S. government efforts to control our border on policy grounds, you would like these people as people.

one household built an ingenious clay oven, sharing food with their neighbors

number of children in camp, drew unicef to show up

"home" garden, planting hope

kids play soccer in camp "parks"