Choose a selection from the Crossing Borders unit. Write a short explanation of how one of the individuals in this selection is affected by a border crossing. Use examples or details to support your answer.
One of the individuals in the Crossing Borders unit who is profoundly affected by a border crossing is Maria, a young woman fleeing violence and seeking refuge in a neighboring country.
Maria's life takes a drastic turn when she decides to cross the border. She has witnessed her family members being killed in her home country due to an ongoing conflict, and faced with the constant threat to her own life, she musters the courage to embark on a dangerous journey towards safety. When she finally reaches the border, she encounters numerous challenges and risks that profoundly impact her life.
Firstly, Maria faces physical and emotional hardships during her border crossing. She has to walk for days, often without sufficient food, water, or protection from the elements. The arduous journey takes a toll on her health, leaving her weak and vulnerable. Moreover, she has to constantly evade border patrol agents who patrol the area, making her feel constantly anxious and fearful. These physical and emotional challenges affect Maria's well-being and leave a lasting impact on her.
Furthermore, Maria encounters discrimination and hostility once she crosses the border. Despite seeking refuge, she is met with suspicion and treated as an outsider. The locals in the neighboring country see her as a burden and view migrants like her as a threat to their own resources and stability. Maria faces hostility and rejection from the local community, which adds to her trauma and exacerbates her already difficult circumstances.
Lastly, Maria's life takes a different trajectory after the border crossing. While she manages to find a temporary shelter, she faces numerous barriers in accessing basic services and education. She struggles to find stable employment due to her refugee status, leading to financial instability and limited opportunities for self-improvement. These consequences of her border crossing affect her long-term prospects and significantly limit her potential for a better future.
In conclusion, Maria's experience of crossing the border has a profound impact on her life. She faces physical and emotional hardships, encounters discrimination and hostility, and experiences restricted access to basic services and opportunities. This highlights the challenging and complex reality faced by individuals like Maria who are forced to migrate across borders in search of safety and better lives.