A woman enjoys a sunny Sunday at the banks of Río Grande river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Showing another facet of the river that includes recreation. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Families and children enjoy a sunny Sunday at the Río Grande river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Showing another facet of the river that includes recreation. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of José Antonio Gonzaléz, 27 years old, from Guanajuato Mexico. He was caught inmediatly after he try to cross the river ilegally and was sent to detention for one month. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Detail of an arm tattoo, showing his dauther’s name. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Detail of Juan’s arm tattoo, a deported man from Mexico. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Belongings of Rumisel, a 34 years old Mexican man, who was deported from the United Stated after living 18 years in the country. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Francisco Rodriguez Granados, his wife and his nephews Alfredo remember his grandson Francisco at Río Grande river. Francisco was a 10-year-old kid, who drowned in that same river 4 years ago. It is the second time he returns to that place since the accident. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Alberto, 38 years old, is fishing at Tres Laredos Park, in the US side of Rio Grande. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States, escaping the violence and bad economic situation in their countries. Laredo, Texas, US. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of Armando, 57 years old, from Mexico. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of Juan a deported man from Mexico. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Four crosses that commemorate the death of a person stand on the banks of the Rio Grande river. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Many people die while crossing. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A group of illegal immigrants, who used to live in the US, walk through “Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge” after being deported. Every Saturday morning a group of ilegal immigrants are deported to Mexico and had to cross all the way from Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Families and children enjoy a sunny Sunday at the Río Grande river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Showing another facet of the river that includes recreation. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Kevin plays with soda lid on the floor while waiting for asylum in the United States. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of a young Cuban couple at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. They approached the border to ask for asylum and live near their Cuban family, who lives in the US since 5 years ago. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Belongings of Rumisel, a 34 years old Mexican man, who was deported from the United Stated after living 18 years in the country. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Belongings of a Mexican man, who was deported from the United Stated. As a returnee he had to attend a talk at the Tamaulipas Institute for Migrants after being deported from the United States. During the talk they explain them what are the steps to follow in order to continue with their life in Mexico. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 25th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A group of illegal immigrants, who used to live in the US, walk through “Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge” after being deported. Every Saturday morning a group of ilegal immigrants are deported to Mexico and had to cross all the way from Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Maria de los Angeles from Cuba, smokes while waiting for asylum at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A group of illegal immigrants, who used to live in the US, walk through “Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge” after being deported. Every Saturday morning a group of ilegal immigrants are deported to Mexico and had to cross all the way from Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Families and children enjoy a sunny Sunday at the Río Grande river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Showing another facet of the river that includes recreation. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Jordanis, 26 years old, from Cuba at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. He decided to leave his homecountry due to the economic and social crisis. He traveled by boat, by land and on horseback for seven days in the jungle. He approached the border to ask for asylum and start a new and better life. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A group of illegal immigrants, who used to live in the US, walk through “Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge” after being deported. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A piece of burned paper lays on the floor on the bank of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A man enjoys the refreshing water of Río Grande river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Showing another facet of the river that includes recreation. Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
View of the international bridge on “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A car crosses through “Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge” after being deported. Every Saturday morning a group of ilegal immigrants are deported to Mexico and had to cross all the way from Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Wet pants lay on the floor on the bank of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of a deported man who did not want to give his name. Every Saturday morning a bus arrives carrying a group of deportees from the US who were arrested and who are escorted to the Mexican side. Del Río / Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Traces of a wood fire made on the bank of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Belongings of a deported man who did not want to give his name. Every Saturday morning a bus arrives carrying a group of deportees from the US who were arrested and who are escorted to the Mexican side. Del Río / Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Three men hang out at “Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna” created by priest Jose Guadalupe Valdes Alvarado. This refuge was created to provide lodging for migrants from different countries who arrive after long journeys that last several months to cross into the United States. Immigrants can spend three nights in the shelter where they are offered beds, food, hygiene items and a space to regain strength. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
View of the international bridge that conects Eagle Pass, United States and Piedras Negras, Mexico. Eagle Pass, Texas, United States. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Belongings of a deported man who did not want to give his name. Every Saturday morning a bus arrives carrying a group of deportees from the US who were arrested and who are escorted to the Mexican side. Del Río / Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Reception of a golf club located on the US side of “Rio Grande” river. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Eagle Pass, Texas, United States. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A rusty wall stands on the bank of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
An illegal Mexican immigrant, who used to live in the US, carry his belongings after being deported. Every Saturday morning a group of ilegal immigrants are deported to Mexico and had to cross all the way from Del Río to Ciudad Acuña International Bridge. June 23nd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of Manuel, who affirms to be willing to cross the river with his inner tube. This person is most likely a “Coyote” (someone who charges for helping migrants cross). Rio Grande is known for being a natural border between Mexico and the United States, and for which many people submerge to reach the United States, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
View of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Eagle Pass, Texas, United States. June 22st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Two men charge their cellphones outdoor at “Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna” created by priest Jose Guadalupe Valdes Alvarado. This refuge was created to provide lodging for migrants from different countries who arrive after long journeys that last several months to cross into the United States. Immigrants can spend three nights in the shelter where they are offered beds, food, hygiene items and a space to regain strength. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Rafaela and her son Kevin, from Honduras, sleep at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. Rafaela decided to leave her homecountry due to the economic and social crisis it is facing. They approached the border to ask for asylum and start a new and better life. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino. (Model Release)
A border patrol boat controls “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Luis Fernando Ruiz, a 9 year old boy, and his father Luis German Ruiz, 46 years old, walk outside their shared bedroom in “Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna”. They left their homecountry, Honduras due to the violent situation that already took the lives of three members of their family. “Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna” was created to provide lodging for migrants from different countries who arrive after long journeys that last several months to cross into the United States. Immigrants can spend three nights in the shelter where they are offered beds, food, hygiene items and a space to regain strength. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of Manuel, who affirms to be willing to cross the river with his inner tube. This person is most likely a “Coyote” (someone who charges for helping migrants cross). Rio Grande is known for being a natural border between Mexico and the United States, and for which many people submerge to reach the United States, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Asylum seekers and pedestrian who are willing to cross to the United States with a visa at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. Approximately 12000 people cross the bridge every day. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
During the early morning Laurel, 31 years old, is combing her daughter Yarena, 2 years old, while her father Raydel, 45 years old, hold her. They decided to leave their homecountry due to the economic and social crisis. They approached the border to ask for asylum and have been sleeping on the bridge with his three kids. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Portrait of Manuel, who affirms to be willing to cross the river with his inner tube. This person is most likely a “Coyote” (someone who charges for helping migrants cross). Rio Grande is known for being a natural border between Mexico and the United States, and for which many people submerge to reach the United States, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Four men hang out in the TV room at “Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna” created by priest Jose Guadalupe Valdes Alvarado. This refuge was created to provide lodging for migrants from different countries who arrive after long journeys that last several months to cross into the United States. Immigrants can spend three nights in the shelter where they are offered beds, food, hygiene items and a space to regain strength. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Kids are sleeping and waking up at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. Asylum seekers can spend up to 5 – 6 days sleeping outside on the bridge waiting to talk to an officer who receives their case and then be pre-treated. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Detail of shoes and tattoo at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. This man decided to leave his homecountry, Cuba, due to the economic and social crisis. He traveled by boat and on a place to arrive to Mexico and then approached the US border to ask for asylum. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A couple of cuban friends look at the river at dawn while waiting for asylum in the United States. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Mother and child hug each other, while sleeping at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. Asylum seekers can spend up to 5 – 6 days sleeping outside on the bridge waiting to talk to an officer who receives their case and then be pre-treated. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A “Not Swimming” sing stands on the banks of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
General view of Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. On one side, immigrants waiting in line to ask for asylum. On the other side, the US side where police will receive them. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Kevin and Jafett look at the river while waiting for asylum in the United States. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
A man hangs out on the bank of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Two kids are sleeping at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. Asylum seekers can spend up to 5 – 6 days sleeping outside on the bridge waiting to talk to an officer who receives their case and then be pre-treated. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Yarena, two years old cuban girl, is sleeping at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. Asylum seekers can spend up to 5 – 6 days sleeping outside on the bridge waiting to talk to an officer who receives their case and then be pre-treated. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 26th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Estefany Sanchez, 18 years old, her husband Yackey Delgado, 20 years old, and his cousin Omar Garillo, 21 years old, from Venezuela are waiting for asylum at Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. There is people who spend up to 5 – 6 days sleeping outside on the bridge waiting to talk to an officer who receives their case and then be pre-treated to a judge. Laredo / Nuevo Laredo International Bridge. June 24rd, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Dawn view of Rio Grande river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States, escaping the violence and bad economic situation in their countries. View from the top of the international bridge. Laredo, Texas, US. June 26th, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Marta Angelica Alvarez, 53 years old, goes daily to a free dining room for migrants, created by the priest Jose Guadalupe Valdes Alvarado to provide support and containment to the people who arrive to the City of Nuevo Laredo with the plan to cross to the United States in search of work and security. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino
A pair of wet socks lay on the floor on the bank of “Rio Grande” river that separates the United States from Mexico. This river is well known for being a natural border, and to which many people submerge to reach the United States illegally, escaping the violence and bad economic situation of their countries. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
Luis Fernando Ruiz, a 9 year old boy, and his father Luis German Ruiz, 46 years old, hang out on their bed in a shared room in “Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna”. They left their homecountry, Honduras due to the violent situation that already took the lives of three members of their family. “Casa del Migrante Frontera Digna” was created to provide lodging for migrants from different countries who arrive after long journeys that last several months to cross into the United States. Immigrants can spend three nights in the shelter where they are offered beds, food, hygiene items and a space to regain strength. Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. June 21st, 2018. Photographer: Tamara Merino.
TAMARA MERINO
Tamara is a documentary photographer and visual storyteller focusing on social – cultural issues, gender, race and migration. Her images have recently appeared in The New York Times and National Geographic.
Tamara has a degree in photography at the Universidad del Pacífico of Santiago, Chile. A residency of photography at the School of Visual Arts in New York and a diploma of documentary photography at the Universidad Católica of Santiago, Chile. She is part of Women Photograph and Ladera Sur.
Her photo documentary with Argenitian photographer Luján Agusti: Scenes From a Migration Crisis/IWMF is part of an ongoing project by the International Women in Media Foundation.
Belongings 