Crossing the International Bridge from Piedras Negras, Mexico, to Eagle Pass, Texas. A Customs and Border Protection official asked me, “U.S. citizen?” When I nodded, he let me keep walking. Below the bridge, a migrant who looked like a teen waved his hands and yelled at me: “Ayudame a conseguir papeles!” (Help me get papers!) After a few days of interviewing migrants, I’m faced with my privilege as an American. My little blue U.S. passport opens doors for me while others are turned away.
-Laura Morel