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Migration In Central America

Migration In Central America .jpg

Yirlani, owns a meat store (carnicería) right on the border between Panama and Costa Rica, in the town of Paso Canoas.

She speaks about the history of her business and the her interactions with migrants that have come through. Yirlani has picked up Portuguese words to promote her business for those passing through, particularly those coming from Haiti.

After the 2010 earthquake, many Hatians flew to Brazil to work building the world cup in exchange for a free visa. However, after Brazils Economic crisis in 2015, most Hatian's were thrown out of the country.

Yirlani, the owner of the (carnicería), gives directions to the nearest bank to migrants passing through.

The shopping mall called "Shopping Jeruseleum" lies directly on the boarder Between Panama and Costa Rica, with exits on both sides.

Patricia, 5years old, waits for her mother to go home. Her mother is from Cuba and decided to stay on the border searching for work in Costa Rica.

For Juan, the trip from Cuba to Costa Rica has taken 2-3 months. Some of the trek has included walking through Peru or sleeping in the Jungles of Colombia. For smuggling and travel purposes caravans can charge $200 a ride, costing thousands of dollars. Many families send one member to travel to the USA and then bring their family over once attaining citizenship.

A group of Cubans wait for a caravan to pick them up near the carniceria. So far there have been zero arrests for Human smuggling. Usually the caravans don’t stop except for gas, and travelers have to take relieve themselves in bottles and boxes they bring along for the ride. They say it can take typically two days to reach Mexico.

A local discusses Costa Rica and Panamas complicated relationship regarding the border.

Yolanda has lived in Paso Canoas for the past 20 years. In her living room, she speaks about her experience the increase of migrants over the past six months.

Yolands speaking about the inhumane living conditions for migrant workers twenty years ago in Costa Rica and today.

Angelina, a Costa Rican American, listens to the history of migration of her family's stance on the Border.

The whole family lived together under the same roof. Jefe prepares morning breakfast for the family which includes rice and beans.

Yolanda joined her husband on the border years after living near the outskirts of San Jose working as a domestic maid.

ERIN SKOCZYLAS © 2023

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