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It is still night as Southwestern College students who live in Tijuana roll out of bed at 4 a.m. to head to class. Some are dual citizens who live in the sprawling northern Mexico outpost, others are Americans who lost their homes in Chula Vista or can’t afford soaring rents.
But make no mistake, there is a steep cost for living in Tijuana, and commuting students pay it every morning as they angle to cross la frontera.
By 5:30 a.m. the local radio station announces 1,200 people trying to cross the San Ysidro- Tijuana border on foot. It could be worse, 1,500 – 2,000 in line is not unusual.
As the clock crawls toward 6 a.m. dozens of cars and buses arrive at the border to drop off people in a big hurry to get a good place in the line to cross in time for work or school. Stress is in the air and etched onto the faces of the shuffling, worried people. Not helping matters are the swarms of pobres working the people in donations, selling food or playing music for tips. Some of them are sick, diseased or smelly, but you cannot help but feel for them. At least those of us in line have hope for education and jobs.
As the sun backlights Otay Mount a in, mo r e arrive at the border and some cut into line, making people angry. Occasionally the Mexican police step in to bring order, at least for a while. Chaos in the lines follows pedestrians inside the immigration building where people start running for the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) line. This is the fastlane, but a SENTRI card is necessary and many times ignored. In a short time a wave of people push forward. There is no order, and glaze-eyed Homeland Security officers do not even pretend to care.
Students that live in Tijuana and cross the border every day should plan ahead, be on time and not cut the line. Students can make the difference by demonstrating responsible behavior and serving as an example for others.
It is grueling for young students who live in Tijuana to cross every day and U.S. Homeland Security should have a separate line for them. They are the innocent victims of the chaos.
Unforeseen and unavoidable crossing delays may affect punctuality or attendance. That tired, stressed Latino who pops into class 20 minutes late is not flaky, but battle-worn.
Since the end of 2010, on the heels of the Great Chula Vista Housing meltdown, the morning pedestrian crossing line at the San Ysidro border has increased exponentially. It is a pre-dawn battle most SWC students and staff will never experience, and I am glad for that. It is an experience I would not wish on my worst enemy. But please don’t drop me or my compadres from class—we are among the most eager students of all.
