One of the hardest parts of the trip was visiting a memorial site on the border that contains crosses with the names of people who have died trying to cross into the United States. When i saw it, i got a knot in my throat because i realized that many of these people could easily be my relatives. I couldn't just see this as a site with the names of those who died trying to get to the U.S, but i see these men and women as heroes who died in the pursuit of happiness. I cry in reverence for the many families whom have lost countless members in this pursuit. When will it end? and what can be done to make this situation better? I ask myself these questions on my way to the hardest part of my trip, a shelter called "Casa de Immigrante" In this shelter i saw the faces of those who succeeded in crossing the border but were deported back to Mexico. I got to hear their stories, shared in their grief, and was empowered to fight towards a solution here in the U.S. I remember in particular a man named Hector how had been in the shelter for 6 days and was desperate for resources that he did not have. He was desperate to find a place to stay, he only had 6 more days in the shelter and then he will be put out. The shelter doesn't do this to be malicious, but they cannot cope with the overwhelming task of aiding everyone long term, they have to make room for the newly deported that arrive everyday. Hector has been in the United States for over 10 days, he married an American woman and they have an 8 year old child. He misses his daughter tremendously and can't figure out how he will return to the United States. Smugglers charge 1,000-3,000 per person and there is no guarantee that one will make it across. It is getting tougher and tougher for anyone to cross. He was deported because he was not informed, his job site was raided by I.C.E and they threatened him with imprisonment if he didn't tell them his legal status. Then they forced him to sign a voluntary deportation order. He didn't know that he had the right to remain silent and that he did not have to sign anything unless it had his specific name and address. He was immediately deported and now he is separated from his family and his only means of support is a job that pays $15 a day. Leaving the shelter was as hard as entering.
Upon leaving I was approached by one of the women that work there, she offered me a bed, food, and internet access, if i consider interning with them in the shelter. After thinking about it and crying due to my financial situation, i have changed my GLT from India to Mexico. There is no way that i can afford going to India and i need to accept it once and for all. I am not financially able to pay for such a trip. Going to Tijuana was God's way of giving me an alternative. It makes perfect sense, and it won't cost me a dime. I will be working with those that have been deported from the U.S, and in my stay there i plan to record as many stories as i can, and then later write a book about my experience there. I feel that their stories need to be told to the world, the U.S needs to see their faces, and hear their disparity, this cannot be ignored no longer. I hope to embark on this trip in August of 09' and will be there until December. I am sad about India but i will have many opportunities to serve in India once i am done with school. Right now, my people need me.
