"The Lady," Our Lady of Guadalupe is an important cultural and religious symbol for many Mexicans, especially those who heard and believe in the legend of Juan Diego of 1531. Many immigrants pray to Guadalupe for protection and safety.
"The Ladder," Many people see coming to the United States as 'moving up' in life because of the assumption that there are lots of opportunities available to gain a better life, whether it be through education or work.
"The Brave," One of the most dangerous and riskiest methods of entering the United States is through the deserts of Mexico and the Rio Grande. Dehydration, heatstroke, wild animal encounters, violence from guides, and even death happen constantly at the border.
"The Death," The Statue of Liberty is known to be a symbol of freedom and acceptance, one that many immigrants have looked up to since it was built. However, some people who have years in the U.S. now feel as if everything the Statue of Liberty stood for is now gone.
"The Flag," 'Your thoughts and your heart are divided between your home country and the country you currently live in...you leave part of your heart at home, but it also grows to love the country you eventually came to, even if you can't ever go back to your family.'
"The Butterfly," The monarch butterfly, known for its grand migrations spanning 2,500 miles, has become a widely accepted symbol of immigrants. It symbolizes the resilience and hope of the immigrant community.
"The Hand," Unauthorized immigrants account for nearly 1/10 of all U.S. workers in food industries. 75% of U.S. citizens agree that undocumented immigrants fill the jobs that most U.S. citizens do not want to work. Because a lot of the work is done and paid 'under-the-table,' unfair pay, child labor, and unsafe work conditions are common.
"The Soldier," Many people don't know or haven't realized that Mexico doesn't have its own Border Patrol. Instead, soldiers of the Mexican military, specifically the navy, are the ones who patrol the borders and work at the border crossing checkpoints.
"The World," 'You arrive hoping for the American dream, but once you come in, you know you can't go back home because you won't be let in again... you become stuck in place... like a prison. But for the few that are somehow able to get their citizenship, having that is like having the world.'
