Erin Skoczylas

Photojournalist

Migration In Central America

Two migrants, from Cuba pose for a picture while waiting for a caravan to take them to Mexico.

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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.

Yolanda, the owner of a meat store on the border, gives directions to the nearest bank to migrants passing through.

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 gass, 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.

The shopping mall called "Shopping Jeruseleum" lies directly on the boarder in both sides.

Yirlani speaks about the history of her carniceria (meat) business and the her interactions with migrants that have come through. Although many of the Hatian and African migrants dont speak English or Spanish, Yirlani has picked up Portuguese words to promote her business for those passing through.

Many Hatian Migrants flew to Brazil to work building the world cup in exchange for a free Visa from the Brazilian Government. After the Econonic Crisis in 2015, most Hatians were thrown out of the country. They became homeless and are also trying to reach the United States to restart their life.

Yirlani speaks about the history of her carniceria (meat) business and the her interactions with migrants that have come through. Although many of the Hatian and African migrants dont speak English or Spanish, Yirlani has picked up Portuguese words to promote her business for those passing through.

Many Hatian Migrants flew to Brazil to work building the world cup in exchange for a free Visa from the Brazilian Government. After the Econonic Crisis in 2015, most Hatians were thrown out of the country. They became homeless and are also trying to reach the United States to restart their life.

Yolanda recalls working as a laboror and house maid in San José, the captial of Costa Rica.

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

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.

Angelina, a Costa Rican American, listens to the history of migration of her familys stance on the Boarder.

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

The whole family lived together under the same roof. Jefe (cheif, father) 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.