Story Narrative
Visiting Casa Migrante was a very impacting and emotional moment for me. I had a chance to meet a few people who had been deported and hear their stories of what had happened to them. The story that has been on my mind the most or stood out to me the most was Javier's. He told me that he had been deported and that no one was there to help him. He has lived most of his life in California and has no family left in Mexico, so there is no where for him to go or stay. He was really scared of not having a place to stay after his 13 days were up and was afraid he would have to sleep on the streets. As he was telling me his story, I could see his eyes getting really watery. He told me that none of his brothers wanted to help him out and that he was all alone.
Emotional Reaction
When I heard that story and the story of others, I felt so awful. I couldn't believe how so many of them had been tricked by police officials and then they were deported into Mexico where they no longer have had a life. It made me think how lucky my mother and father are for being able to come into the United States in good terms. Although, when my dad first immigrated to the US he did so illegally. There were many times when he would get deported back into TJ but that same night or a few days after he would cross back over into the US. But i believe that it was much easier back then than it is today. After hearing the stories of these men it just made me think, what if my dad were in this situation. It was a horrible thought to think about, but the reality of it is that it can happen to anyone. I related a lot of these men to my dad because like many people who immigrate into the US, they work in landscape, construction, painting, etc... and that is exactly what my dad does. I feel grateful to know that my family has a good status in the United States, but at the same time I feel horrible for those who are not so fortunate. It makes me appreciate life so much more and makes me realize that we shouldn't take things for granted.
Inter-Cultural Interpretation
When I heard the story of Javier and that none of his family members were willing to help him, I was surprised. Surprised because during my time in Tijuana, I have learned that Mexican families stick together and are always helping each other out as opposed to American families where many look out for themselves. But after analyzing the story, it made me think...Javier told me that he and his family (including brothers) have already lived most of their life is the United States, so maybe in some way, the American culture has stuck to them and are only looking out for themselves instead of helping each other out. This is really unfortunate, I think that it must happen to many people who are deported, just when you truly need your family, they turn their back on you.