A Border Between Them

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PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico — Four years ago, Carlos and his family fled El Salvador, leaving everything behind. Now, his wife and son are in Boston, while Carlos still waits at the border.

Carlos at the Casa del Migrante. He did not want his last name used or his face shown because he was still awaiting an interview with U.S. immigration. Photo: Media Milwaukee staff

Carlos and his family used to own a bakery in El Salvador. But then the gangs got involved, forcing their small business to pay ‘renta’, or gang tax, which amounted to $300 (USD) per month. At first, they were able to pay this fee each month. When they were eventually unable to, however, the gang threatened to kill his wife and child.

Fearing for their lives, they fled the country. “We left our house, our business and all of that,” said Carlos. “Because if we did not have the money, they were going to kill us.”

They lived the next two years in Tapachula, Chiapas, on the south side of Mexico. Carlos expressed his gratitude for how Mexico had treated them, saying: “Mexico has supported us, even though it has been a small contribution. The doors are open here in Mexico.”

In December, Carlos’ wife and son were granted an interview with US immigration, and were allowed to enter the U.S.

But Carlos was left behind and still waits for his own interview appointment. For the last three months, he has lived along the border, staying at the Casa del Migrante, a migrant shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico. He was volunteering in the shelter’s kitchen when he was interviewed.

“At least I am the one to stay here in Mexico and my family is over there,” he said.

But on the other side of the border, life has not been smooth for his family in Boston, either. He said that they have struggled to find work and keep up with rent. Yet there is nothing he can do but wait to join them.

Reaching the U.S. had never been Carlos’ dream, he had said. “But since my family is on the other side, then yes, I long to go there for my son and my wife.”

This project was created through a journalism class at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies Department. This work was made possible through the support of MPC Endowment Ltd., the philanthropic affiliate of the Milwaukee Press Club.