#thefaceofimmigration

[brent-alex]

siesta y vuelvo al trabajo #TheFaceofImmigration #brentalex

[brent-alex]

Tijuana, Mexico. On a moonlight night in early 1979, Trinidad and 16 friends eagerly awaited the extreme low tide. With the fallen tide, he successfully walked barefoot across the shores of Tijuana, Mexico and into a new life of opportunity. In a parking lot somewhere above the San Diego coastline, he entered a transport van previously arranged by the group's hired "coyote." He arrived in San Clemente, CA an hour or so later. He dried his clothes, slept, and got to work. Born in #Jalisco, Mexico in 1954, 'Trini' is married and loves the life he has built for himself in Hawthorne, CA. He was the first of 4 siblings in his family to #immigrate to the United States through #Tijuana, #Mexico. Currently, his mother and 4 siblings all live in the United States, (California, Colorado) His 5 adult children have all achieved success in their respective careers (Dentist, Mechanic, Information Systems Engineer and (2) Bank Auditors). #TheFaceofImmigration #brentalex

[brent-alex]

Ricardo S. Born in Iztapalapa, D.F. #Mexico on November 6, 1972, Ricardo (42) crossed the border in #Tijuana crammed inside a vehicle. He had no money. He carried with him no possessions. So it is that he arrived in San Pedro, California in 2004 ready to work. After securing employment a few days later, he began his masonry apprenticeship with his boss and now good friend, Rafael. Eight years earlier Rafael made a similar journey through Tijuana, crossing the California/Mexican border on foot with the assistance of a 'coyote.' Rafael and Ricardo have developed quite a reputation for their quality masonry work. The duo have accomplished elaborate projects in some of the most affluent communities in Southern California. #TheFaceofImmigration #brentalex

[brent-alex]

The Three Amigos Juan Guerrera (Cabanas, El Salvador), Efrain Baños (Santo Tomás, El Salvador) and Balmore Rivas (Cabanas, #ElSalvador), (L-R). The three friends work for a brick and masonry company located in the San Fernando Valley of #LosAngeles, CA. All three immigrated to the United States through the Texas #border. Balmore was the first to immigrate in 1984. With 30 years separating Balmore’s #immigration to the United States and that of Efrain (1991) and Juan (2014), the fellow countrymen share another common bond. All three took the same journey. Traveling aboard the bus,“El Condor” from El Salvador to Guatemala, the road through Mexico to Texas was guided by a hired “coyote.” The three friends say they have found a better life in #America and enjoy their opportunities for work and education. “Uno se ve cosas por salir adelante. El unico que haya tenido, gane por los estudios.” You see things as you move forward [in life]. Everything I have ever known, I learned through study,” Balmore Rivas. #TheFaceofImmigration #brentalex

[brent-alex]

The Three Amigos Juan Guerrera (Cabanas, El Salvador), Efrain Baños (Santo Tomás, El Salvador) and Balmore Rivas (Cabanas, #ElSalvador), (L-R). The three friends work for a brick and masonry company located in the San Fernando Valley of #LosAngeles, CA. All three immigrated to the United States through the Texas #border. Balmore was the first to immigrate in 1984. With 18 years separating Balmore’s #immigration to the United States and that of Efrain (1991) and Juan (2014), the fellow countrymen share another common bond. All three took the same journey. Traveling aboard the bus,“El Condor” from El Salvador to Guatemala, the road through Mexico to Texas was guided by a hired “coyote.” The three friends say they have found a better life in #America and enjoy their opportunities for work and education. “Uno se ve cosas por salir adelante. El unico que haya tenido, gane por los estudios.” You see things as you move forward [in life]. Everything I have ever known, I learned through study,” Balmore Rivas. #TheFaceofImmigration @natgeo #brentalex

[brent-alex]

Meet my friend Antemio Ruiz from San Marcos de Guerrero, México. You might have seen him walking the Strand or alleyways in Hermosa. He works a full time job in Los Angeles after which he drives to #HermosaBeach beach to collect and #recycle bottles and cans. The money he has collected over the years has help him support his 10 children in their pursuit of higher #eduction. All 10 children have graduated from the college or university level. #Immigration + hard work = #Success. #TheFaceofImmigration #brentalex