BOP 2007 > Still Photography Winners > Domestic News Picture Story
- 2nd Place
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Train to El Norte - Crossing The Suchiate Story Summary: The ease of crossing the Suchiate River that forms the border between Mexico and Guatemala belies the many dangers facing Central American immigrants who need to first cross Mexico in order to enter the United States. For ten Mexican pesos, from the border town of Tecun Uman, Guatemala, people and goods are ferried into Mexico at this illegal crossing point. For many would be migrants to the United States, this crossing marks the beginning of a harrowing journey. Only the poorest migrants take this route, braving a ride on top of the freight trains that head north. They have crossed multiple borders but the toughest part of the journey lies ahead of them, in Mexico. Mexico, and the southern most state of Chiapas in particular they say, is far more dangerous to cross than the border with the United States. They will be robbed, beaten, or raped. They will walk for days on foot until their shoes fall apart. They will face hunger, thirst, wind, rain, and heat. They will run from migration and be abused by corrupt officials. They are so easy to take advantage of; they pay more for food, water, even public buses. Worse, they could lose a limb or their life to the machine they call the beast, the devil. Here she comes. Caption: A girl stands on the banks of the Suchiate River as Guatemalans cross the river on rafts that charge around 10 Mexican pesos to ride in Tecun Uman, Guatemala on Wednesday June 21, 2006. The river forms the border between Mexico and Guatemala and is a gateway for illegal immigrants who want to enter the United States. The makeshift boats are called cameras and no documents are checked at this illegal crossing point. Both people are good are ferried across the river at all hours of the day. For many would be migrants to the United States, this crossing marks the beginning of a harrowing journey.
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