May 2008 issue: Crossing Borders

Crossing Borders

Let’s face it. The negative buzz about immigration in the last few years continues to affect all Latinos, regardless of legal status. Increased border security since 9/11, the passing of the Secure Fence Act of 2006 and the simmering demand for immigration reform have shifted the nation’s focus to its southern border. But these debates often dehumanize the “in-between” place so many call home.

In this special edition, Adelante makes an attempt to tackle immigration and border issues (both online and in print). While some of the articles were covered from Austin, a four-member team of student journalists from UT Austin traveled to Brownsville to collect personal stories and experiences. Below is the end result: a collection of text, photography, and video that illustrates the various aspects of border life.

Cruzando Fronteras

Afrontémoslo. La mala vibra alrededor del tema de la immigración en los últimos años continúa afectando a todos los latinos, sin importar el estatus legal. El incremento de la seguridad en las fronteras desde 9/11, el apruebo del Secure Fence Act del 2006 y la demanda por una reforma de immigración han hecho de la frontera sureña de la nación el punto de enfoque. Pero estos debates deshumanizan con frecuencia el lugar que tantos llaman casa.

En esta edición especial, Adelante hace un esfuerzo por atacar el tema de la immigración y los asuntos de la frontera. Mientras que algunos de los artículos fueron cubiertos desde Austin, un equipo de cuatro estudiantes de UT Austin viajó a Brownsville en búsqueda de historias personales y experiencias.

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CROSSING BORDERS: Index

News/Politics:
Passport cards – A small, more affordable substitute for families who frequently cross over
Que dicen? – UT Brownsville student activists sound off about the border wall [w/ video]
From El Salvador to Austin – UT Austin employees share their journeys
Left behind – What happens to the families of men who leave Mexico to work in the U.S.?
Presidential candidates and immigration – A look at Sens. Clinton, McCain, and Obama
Personal Essay:
You are an immigrant – A UT student from Mexico recalls her first year in Texas
Eres un immigrante – Una estudiante de México recuerda su primer año en Tejas
Features:
Border Patrol agent Doty – Patrolling the Hidalgo port of entry
No longer afraid – A landowner’s struggle [w/ video]
UTB administrator fights wall – “I think someone… drew lines on a map in a vacuum” [w/ video]
Matamoros photo essay – A day at the market in Matamoros
Feminism from the margins – A look at Latina activism
Food: Gyros restaurant – Profile of an eclectic Laredo restaurant and its unlikely owner
Short Documentary:
The Wall – How is the proposed border wall affecting residents of the Rio Grande Valley?
El Cenizo – A former colonia still scarred by a past that lacked regulation and rule of law

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