United Campus Ministry East Stroudsburg University Spring Mission 2003 A non-profit organization that conducts travel seminars focusing on the issues of Mexican border communities. People visit to explore global issues in the reality of the border environment.
Random inspection upon entering Mexico
Entering into Douglas, Arizona through Agua Prieta.
Maquiladora A maquiladora is a foreign owned factory in another country.SHURE – an American owned factory in Agua Prieta. They make microphones
Maquiladora According to a floor manager, this was the breakdown of a particular microphone.- Retail value $108.00 (sold in U.S.)
- Cost to SHURE:
Maquiladora The average pay in a maquiladora can range from 30-100 pesos a day. That’s $3.00 - $10.00 a day in the U.S.
A matter of economics. With the value of the peso declining, and the combination of low cost products through NAFTA, it is more affordable for people in border communities in Mexico to cross the border to shop.
Purchasing Power
Purchasing Power MexicoBased on 40 pesos/day –($4.00 US dollars per day)(minimum wage is 40.35 pesos a day – figure above is rounded)$20.00 US dollars earned within a 5 day work week.100% to buy groceries.
Colonia
Colonia A Store in colonia and the store manager’s home.
Colonia
The dramatic distinctions in housing within a square mile reflect the wide gap between the socioeconomic status of the people.
Housing in Agua Prieta
Housing in Agua Prieta Some government supported housing is available.
Housing in Agua Prieta A variety of infrastructures exist within a square mile.
Solutions to a better way of life . . Some choose to venture on a very dangerous journey.A quote from a migrant, “I’d rather die trying (to cross into the U.S.) than starving.”
Solutions . . . .
Solutions . . . . Some choose entrepreneurial efforts.People who choose this often form together as a group called a “cooperative”.
Solutions . . . . “Just Coffee”, a cooperative in Agua Prieta.It participates in “fair trade” instead of “free trade”.In fair trade there is a more balance distribution of profits.
Solutions . . . . We can help by supporting “fair trade” products.
Solutions . . . .
Solutions . . . . A family operated “tienda”, (store) out of their home.
Solutions . . . . A.L.F.O. – “Alliance of Border Workers”This organization educates maquiladora workers about their rights according to the laws of Mexico.
Continued Efforts Supporting human dignity.Understanding of motivations for border crossings.Planting seeds for a global society entitled to human rights that belong to all, not just the wealthy!
Something to think about. Why are these people smiling? They know that the soda they acquired supports a balance in profit distribution.Do you think about what you buy and who it supports?
Adios from United Campus Ministry and the border! Join us next year in El Salvador!Do you see yourself here?
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