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A Closer Look at the Migrant Shelters in Tijuana
by Rebecca Mizrahi
July 31, 2019
Rebecca Mizrahi is a Freelance Photographer based in Los Angeles. You can see more of her work here.
Migration has been a constant across the world and throughout history. With the increased politicization of immigration in the United States, a true humanitarian crisis has emerged on both sides of the U.S. and Mexican borders. A day spent visiting shelters in Tijuana provided an intimate setting to hear first hand stories about the violence, poverty and persecution that compels migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to leave their homes and risk everything for a chance at a new life in the United States. Most obvious in people’s stories is a sense of grief and loss, ongoing fear and uncertainty about what’s to come, and a tremendous longing for a safe, secure future. These images are from a day in the life.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
The “double” border wall is visible from a bus in Tijuana. Non-profit volunteer organization, Border Angels estimates that since 1994, about 10,000 people have died in their attempt to cross the border. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 7,216 people have died crossing the U.S–Mexico border between 1998 and 2017. Conflicting estimates.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
Malecon, Playas de Tijuana. The border wall stretches into the Ocean but does not stop families from meeting to talk and pass notes to each other on either side. Although recent efforts seek to prevent this from continuing to happen.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
One of many “missing” in Tijuana, one of the largest border metropolises in the world. It is not uncommon for male and female migrants to become trapped in the sex trade, with very few options to survive while they wait for asylum.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
New tents, clothing and food provided by This is About Humanity. Name of shelter is concealed to protect asylum seekers fleeing violence/ persecution.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
Donated blankets used for padding in lieu of mattresses.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
Children’s vitamins and prenatal pills sit atop a makeshift office in the center of the shelter.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
Child watches as new tents are set up and old blankets are removed, a bottle of medicine and a plastic spoon beside her.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
A family watches as the shelter is overturned by volunteers trying to clean up after heavy rains.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
Diapers, a few toys and a math book show the simplest accumulation of items for a migrating family. Children have no way to attend school while moving from shelter to shelter and can go anywhere from a few months to several years without formal education.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
In 2018, Casa Cornelia Law Center responded to 883 adult asylum seekers in need, and 876 unaccompanied children.
© Rebecca Mizrahi
According to Casa Cornelia, about 90% of asylum seekers without an attorney are denied, but almost half of those with representation are successful. As of mid-2018, over 700,000 asylum cases remained open, with new applicants applying each day.
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The Surprising Humanity of the Political Broadcast
by Tatti Ribeiro
November 26, 2018
EL PASO – Beto O'Rourke's Election Night Headquarters, 2018 – Southwest University Park.
2018 pushed a new crop of politicians towards DC [Ocasio-Cortez, O'Rourke, Omar]. Candidates were able to convince constiuents who previously neglected elections to show up and cast a ballot. They were unique but shared a singular quality: an air of normalcy that put people at ease. It changed the perception of politicians as catagorically other to human.
Civics is about how people participate in their own governments, which must continue beyond election season.
And while it's obviously not a reporter's job to remind their audience, mid-delivery, that behind the cameraman is a frantic knot of wires that blew out the stadium's AV system, or that before they told you who was up by what percent, they panicked for food ate three hot-dogs, it is settling to witness. It does somehow confirm that your participation is as valid as anyone else's. The reminder of shared chaos, confusion, and unknowingness is welcome because it opens up the story of our political work and our democracy. The pedestel does not exist. Everything belongs to the collective us. Elections, politicians, and the news. Yes, Beto's Election Night was a close-up of a candidate who empowered, and the people he ignited. But it was also messy, and most noticeably showed levity. To look around bordered on funny, even in tensity, because one can't separate the person from the professional when it's two feet from your face.
It was another reminder of the innate equality of people. Don't be intimidated from showing up or into thinking there's anything bigger or more important than your own voice.