School

New Mexico is the only state along the border that opens up their school system to kids from Mexico. Hundreds of students a day get bussed from the port of entry on the border to schools in Deming, New Mexico. This has been going on here for as long as people can remember. In Mexico, schools are very expensive. Being able to attend a U.S. public school is a huge opportunity for kids that grow up in Palomas. They learn English and get a U.S. education. From what I have been told, these kids recognize the gift. They work extremely hard and it is not uncommon for them to be among the students with the highest grades, even valedictorian.

I took these photos at the port of entry while waiting to go through U.S. customs. Parents of kids wait at the border to pick meet their kids when they are dropped off.