Background on the Border

These are just a few words that come to mind when I think about the USA-Mexico border.

The border wall marking American and Mexican desert
 Flickr: Creative Commons

During my last semester of college, I became fascinated with the border.  Before diving into complex border issues on this blog, I would like to provide a little background on the topic.  Below are links to some of my favorite pictures and articles.

The Wall in a city center
Flickr: Creative Commons

To get a sense of the border issues, I highly recommend this NPR infographic.

This photo journalism piece in The Atlantic gives you a good sense of the long journey many immigrants take from Central America to the USA.

Here is an article from The Economist about Obama's record deportations.

Recently, there has been a huge influx of undocumented minors crossing the border to seek political asylum from violent gangs in their home countries.  This migration has overwhelmed the border patrol and US social services.  Read about a judge's reaction in this NPR article  and the domestic effects of this migrant wave in this New York Times article.

For a more academic perspective, visit geographer Juanita Sundberg's website and explore a series of writings on the Political Ecology of Bordered Spaces.

The Wall dividing the Tijuana/ San Diego shoreline
Flickr: Creative Commons