Week 12: "Las Sirenas"

A Mexican citizen is highly considering migrating to America due to the social unrest, police brutality, government corruption and cartel control that is poisoning the country. Her name is Ojala, she is 20 years old and is a bit malnourished due to the insufficient pay she receives that isn’t enough to purchase an adequate amount of food. The struggles in her personal life and her environment are so severe, that a change of scenery needs to happen. Ojala lives in Monterrey, Mexico which is the capital of Mexico and because of this, it is the most vulnerable city to violence as much of the government is stressed by the cartel and rebels. Unfortunately, she loves her country and city; she is beyond disheartened by the recent events that have been so consistent that there is no sense in staying. For the safety of her family, friends and herself, she needs to get out of Mexico and attempt at accomplishing the American Dream. She hesitates to move so quickly because she has trust issues so individuals like coyotes don’t convince her of a successful crossing. To add, she is suspicious of the cartels involvement with sex trafficking at the border so random strangers can’t be trusted. In her mind, all she has is herself and her grit to move on from one country to the next.

Transportation by wheels would likely be seized by American Border Patrol Officers, and with the amount of people crossing the border with her, there won’t be enough resources to provide for a journey around the Chijuanjuan Desert. Living in Monterrey means the best way to cross is through the Rio Grande. The conditions are still harsh and a course through the desert is inevitable, but the risk is worth the destination. Determined, she and a few of people that she knows personally follow her to the land of the free. At the Rio Grande, at night, there are mermaids that help them cross. Ojala was aware of the stories about mermaids helping Mexicans migrate to America, but she didn’t have too much faith in folk tales. Now, the fantasy she has been told is a reality and the mermaids permit for an easier crossing. The dangers of being an immigrant don’t stop after they are in America; even in the new life, they must endure racism, prejudice, and face the adversity of completely starting a new life. The mermaids didn’t fix everything but they help and continue to support those seeking the American Dream.