We Are Your Neighbors: The Untold Stories of Latino Immigrants in Indianapolis

How old were you when you first came to the US? I was fourteen years old. I came with my mom and my twoyear-old brother. My step-dad was already here.

Did you come and stay? Or did you go back to Mexico before moving here?

In 1998, when I was fourteen, I came with my mom and my two-year-old brother. We stayed here one year. We went back to Mexico. Then, March 25, 2002, when I was seventeen, I decided to come back with my niece. I stayed one year and then I went back to Mexico. In April of 2005, when I was twenty, I came back. I have been here since then.

Why did you decide to leave Mexico?

The first time we came because my step-dad and two of my brothers were here. The second time I came because two of my brothers were here I wanted to go on an adventure. The third time I came, I knew I could find work here.

Did anyone influence your decision to leave? Did your family want you to stay?

My brother is a coyote, so he knew how to get me across easily.

I think my mom was sad to see me go, but she knew things would be better for me here.

What concerns did you have before making the trip?

I worried about what everyone who crosses the border worries about, immigration was going to catch me. Also, it’s a fear that you will be kidnapped.

Did you know anyone who suffered greatly trying to cross the border?

When my two brothers were crossing, they were kidnapped by coyotes. They called me and said that if I didn’t send ten 140