One man's experience

A parent and his son tell the story of their journey across the U.S. Mexican border

By Waliha Gani
International Editor

Darkness. Fear. Loneliness. Survival. These were the only thoughts and feelings swimming through junior Carlos Galicia's father, Federico Galicia, as his wife, with baby Carlos inside her womb, were crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally.

Federico's story
With illegal immigration becoming more of a tumultuous issue than ever before, Galicia tells his story of coming to the U.S., and the obstacles that aroused once he arrived.
In order to camouflage with the dark night, one must wear dark clothing to prevent chances of getting caught.

"My wife and I didn't even know we had to wear dark clothes, so we came out wearing white shirts, and ended up wasting time to go back to buy those black, long shirts," said Galicia.

The lonely night
"When my wife and I were crossing the border in long walks, there were a bunch of other groups with us. But as we were jumping the fence, we were alone. No one is there to help you. It's all you. The only person you care about is you and you only."

When Galicia and his wife arrived in the U.S. safely 17 years ago, he felt a mix of fear and hope.
"We were always afraid of getting caught. We were just fearful of someone coming out and catching us. But then we also felt hope for starting new life,- better life," said Galicia.

Being an illegal immigrant in the U.S. is all about the work--long hours of day and night labor.
"I worked at Roy Rogers at night and had construction work in the day time. Even with two jobs, it was barely enough, we were still struggling," said Galicia.

The biggest obstacle for Galicia was learning English and American culture.

"When I first came here, I faced a cultural shock, and at first it was hard to adapt to the new system, and pass the language barrier. There were times when I just didn't understand what people were saying to me at all," said Galicia.

Life in the U.S. was tough, but Galicia feels the opportunities the U.S. offers was greater than the negative circumstances he was facing.

"We lived in a two bedroom apartment with six people, but I realized the importance of being bilingual and the many doors America opened up for me and my family," said Galicia.

Galicia's decision to come to the U.S. has greatly helped his 17- year- old son, junior Carlos Galicia.

Carlos's story
"If I lived in Mexico, an environment that is conclusive to living under poverty level, I wouldn't have accomplished anything over there," said Galicia.

Similar to many other immigrant students at AHS, the best opportunities America offers lie within the realm of education.

"America offers me an education of higher accreditation. Back in Mexico, I wouldn't even have passed middle school. I wouldn't have accomplished anything in my life," said Galicia.

By Alan Weintraut |  March 1, 2007; 9:51 AM ET
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