Title: New Realities at the Border: Colombians, Mexicans, and the Changing Face of Migration

Even for those who survive the dangerous crossing, challenges abound. Mario, a Colombian migrant, describes how his wife, Eliana, lives in constant fear of detection, altering even the smallest details of her daily life: “When she’s on the train, she doesn’t look forward; she looks down, so they won’t [notice her].” Additionally, Eliana herself found her initial interactions in America to be different than she expectedt: “Funny enough, she found that she was pretty welcomed by Americans, but not very welcomed by Latin Americans.”

This transformation reflects the evolving dynamics along the U.S.-Mexico border and the broader migration landscape. Once defined by a fluid exchange of families, resources, and culture, the border now bears the scars of decades of militarization and fundamental changes to migration patterns. “The Mexican border… was less populated at that time, and people were just kind of crossing back and forth, had family sometimes land on both sides. So it was a very more fluid border at that point,” explains Rosina Lozano, a historian at Princeton University specializing in the history of migration.

Today, that fluidity is gone, replaced by walls, checkpoints, and patrols. Migration scholar Douglas Massey describes how these changes altered migration patterns fundamentally: “By militarizing the border… the flow shifted… from temporary workers to permanently settled families.” He adds, “Border militarization almost doubled the size of the undocumented population because it discouraged return migration.”

The repercussions extend beyond policy. The arrival of new groups of migrants, such as Colombians, has strained relationships within established border communities. “People that they’re seeing are no longer their compadres, paisanos; they’re people from other countries,” Massey notes. He explains how this shift has contributed to rising tensions and even political realignments: “The Mexican population along the borders [is] heavily citizens of many generations, and they see these people as competitors.” This dynamic partly explains a turn in Texas border counties against the migration across the border that may have been more easily accepted before.

The Mexican Border Today: A Complex Legacy

The story of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border cannot be told without considering the role of Mexicans themselves, whose migration patterns have drastically shifted over time. Once frequent border-crossers, many Mexicans now avoid the journey altogether, deterred by the dangers posed by increasingly militarized policies. Lozano highlights how natural landscapes, such as deserts and rivers, have been weaponized to deter crossings: “The federal government actually has in their strategy that they’re using the environment as a deterrent, because they know people will die if they go that direction.”

Within the U.S., many Mexican-American communities along the border have developed a complex relationship with newcomers. Massey points out that Mexican-descent populations, often U.S. citizens of many generations, feel the strain of competing resources and shifting demographics. This competition, alongside broader economic changes, has fueled resentment toward newer migrants. “And so,” Massey adds, “we’re seeing political shifts that reflect those tensions.”

Newcomers and Their Challenges

Yet, Colombians and other newcomers persist, driven by dire circumstances in their home countries. Eliana, shared her family’s plight: “Her dad was a member of FARC… when the deal was signed… they are going after people who chose to step back.” For others, the challenges are systemic rather than overtly violent. “Now that they’re here, they have two years… either get asylum or go back to Colombia,” Mario explains, summarizing the stark choices many face. The asylum process is anything but predictable and when asked to describe the process the couple indicated the unpredictable nature of the appointment time and date seeing as they are at the discretion of the judge, who can decide to move a date sooner or later than anticipated.

For migrants like Jaime, who settled in Philadelphia, the obstacles extend beyond the initial journey. He speaks of the challenges of finding affordable housing amid gentrification: “Even people who lived here for many years had to leave because of the gentrification situation… The rent and mortgage interest go up, and it’s not that affordable, especially for new immigrants.” This displacement shows how crossing the border is just the first step in a long journey, as migrants face new challenges like rising housing costs and limited resources. Even after arriving, they must work to overcome these obstacles in their search for stability and a place to belong.

Still, Jaime emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of migrants as they strive to integrate. “For me, it was a challenge… discovering a new society, new friends, new everything,” he reflects. Despite the hardships, Jaime has found ways to build community. “We have neighbors; they are very important. You build community with them, sharing food and music,” he says, contrasting this experience with his time in New York. Yet building community, while essential, is often difficult for migrants who face isolation, discrimination, and economic pressures, underscoring the ongoing struggle to find a sense of belonging in unfamiliar and often unwelcoming environments.

The Changing Face of Migration

The stories of both Colombians and Mexicans show how migration has changed, shaped by stricter policies, dangerous routes, and shifting demographics. Despite these changes, the reasons people migrate remain the same: to survive, find safety, and build a better life.

As migration evolves, it’s crucial to understand what it means for migrants to adapt and succeed in new places. These stories highlight the humanity behind immigration policies and the determination of those who make the journey. Whether fleeing violence or seeking opportunity, migrants reflect the challenges, hopes, and enduring pursuit of a better future that define the American dream.

Things left to add: interview with a law enforcement and more commentary about the border wall overall. I think I want to do a bit more historical analysis as well as a paragraph incorporating “People have always found ways to use the U.S.-Mexico border to cross, including the Chinese in earlier eras,” says Rosina Lozano. “At the time, many learned Spanish, dressed as Mexicans, and adapted to blend in” I am not sure where I would incorporate this but that could also be interesting.