“American citizen” is what I always said as a child whenever we crossed the border, back in the day when you could cross the border between the U.S.A. and Mexico with just your word and not a passport. I was proud to be an American citizen, to live in a country where the running water didn’t disappear without notice while I was taking a shower. I was aware of all the things most American citizens take for granted.
My mother didn’t get to cross on her word alone, back then she had a green card and would show it. My mother was a resident alien. Many years later she became a U.S. citizen so that she could vote. I didn’t agree with how she was voting, but I was happy that after decades of making a life and raising two children in this country, she would be involved in the political process.
The border between the United States and Mexico has always been an arbitrary inconvenience for me. I have relatives just across the border and the lines, chaos, and time it takes to go to and from Tijuana make it difficult for us to see each other. Some of them can’t come here for whatever reasons that are never clear to me because some of them can.
I used to be able to go see them at a moment’s notice provided I was willing to brave the lines on the way back, but I can’t anymore. I don’t have a passport, I never did, but now I need one. Mexico has never been a foreign country to me, it’s just where much of my extended family lives. It’s time to get a passport because that arbitrary border should not keep me from my loved ones.
I love America. I love that parts of it are historically Mexican. It doesn’t make sense to separate families just because of borders that were drawn after war. Borders that were drawn regardless of whether you had people on the other side.
El otro lado has always been relative to me depending on what side of the border I’m on.
Disclosure: I was encouraged to share my immigration story as part of my role as a 2013 Top Bloguera. I wrote this at the airport on my way to New York for a Top Bloguera leadership retreat where we will visit the United Nations, discuss immigration issues, and attend the Latism13 Conference.
I feel confused. So you don’t understand or recognize the dangers that exist at that border these days? Are you hoping they can just open the border up for free movement again? I would absolutely agree with you being more appreciative of our freedoms than citizens are. My hubby was asked to be present at a friend’s citizenship ceremony and the joy expressed there was heart warming!!!
Of course I understand the dangers that exist, I am simply expressing my story and the difficulties that come from having loved ones that are so close and yet so far at the same time. I can literally walk from my mother’s house in San Diego to my nephew’s house in Tijuana, but I can’t actually do it without a passport anymore. Like, I said, time to get a passport and I’m blessed that I can FINALLY afford to do so.
I hope most of us (American society) allow and welcome the social acceptance of diversity. As I write that I know there are too many that may never understand or accept diverse people. Of course, I mean people who also care for people. Not the extreme haters who are very diverse too but they don’t even seem to notice.
You should get your passport. I encourage everyone to get one. I’m proud to have one. Also you should use your passport to go places. Places other than just Mexico. Latin America is not that far away and with your language ability you probably could do better than me in dealing with the local hotels, restaurants, etc.
Great post.
It’s about knowledge, awareness, & education. Many people are ignorant about such things. Thank you for telling us your story, Mami. 🙂 This is how we gain understanding, acceptance, and love. Xxx
I like your perspective. At one time, it was far easier for Hondurans to visit the US, too. I know many people who are denied visas to visit the US for seemingly arbitrary reasons.
I am Canadian and I grew up in a border town. To cross the border used to take about 5 minutes. The two towns were side-by-side, separated only by very small river. We used to walk over to go to the movies or to the Walmart, or to just go for a walk. Now, it’s not nearly as relaxed (for valid reasons), but I do miss the days when we, as kids, could just walk over to go for a walk and sit on the grass by the river to talk without needing anything but some pocket change.
Sadly, this is how many Americans view the issue…
Thank you for sharing your story….((HUGS))
Love you.
Thank you for sharing your truth. These are not concerns I have had to deal with and having dealt with the hassle of getting a passport, I can appreciate what a frustration it would be to need one to see family.
Love you!
Wow. I’m so excited for you–Sounds like a fantastic conference!
I like how you think!
It was so nice to meet you, have a chance to chat and now read your story. Thanks for sharing! Un abrazo!