Wetback - The documentary

In the Fall, we watched Wetback, a Canadian documentary film released in 2005 that follows the personal stories of immigrants on their journeys through Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico en route to the US and Canada. Funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and directed by Arturo Perez Torres, the movie (available on Netflix), explores several complicated themes revolving around the hardships of life in developing countries, the risks that immigrants take, their motives for taking those risks, and the several different actors that affect their journeys.

Kenya explains her thoughts on the documentary below...

My reflection on the documentary, Wetback, gave me a clearer perspective of an immigrant's determination in crossing the border to create a better life for themselves and their family. It has also shown me the dangers and unfairness faced on the journey. In Mexico, Maseca, the main product used for making tortillas has plunged in business. Many of the owners have had to look on to new income opportunities, such as leaving the country in search for a better job. Immigrants don't want to leave their families, but it's a sacrifice they have to make when they cannot provide for themselves or their loved ones.

In this documentary many people stated that Mexico needs to look into social justice, because things are out of control and unfair. I learned that there are safe houses for immigrants that are coming and going, associated with the Catholic Church, which provide care and food. The film also examined the statistics of immigrant abuse and showed that 75% of abuse is done by police officers and that 80% if immigrants are robbed. Another danger they faced was the "Train of Death," a resource used to cross the border in which men and women risked their lives trying to jump onto the train. Many who tried to jump the train lost arms, legs, and various other body parts.

On the other side of the border were men who were not involved in any police or immigration service. They took it upon themselves to dedicate their days and nights to look out for immigrants or any evidence that proved immigrants were nearby. I saw this in a negative way. I understand that it's illegal to cross the border without papers, but I thought their behavior was excessive and made them look like ignorant fools. I respect the purpose of those trying to provide themselves and their families with a better life, and that the law is the law. But bad treatment and MIA citizens in other countries is not the solution; and over 1,000 immigrants have gone missing. The families of missing people are still worried and waiting for them.