“Las Paradas”

In a country with millions of opportunities, thousands of people migrate to make a better life for themselves and their families. Over the last ten years, over a million people have come to the United States from around the world. The Hispanic community makes up at least 50% of the migrant population, and 50% of that alone is Mexican. People from all over Latin America (i.e., Honduras, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, …). The title of this project is “Las Paradas,” which is a Spanish word that translates to “The Stops.”. Hundreds of people come to the stops daily, waiting to be picked up for labor work to be paid scraps. Many of these men live off of what little they can, and the rest of their earnings are immediately sent home to their families.

Migrant laborers play a significant role in the Central American economy by sending remittances back to their home countries. Their hard work and sacrifices abroad help sustain their families and communities, often serving as a vital lifeline for many households. Within this dynamic landscape of migration, “Las Paradas” serves as a microcosm of the larger narrative, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of those who have journeyed far from their homelands in search of economic stability. The scene at these stops is one of anticipation and uncertainty, as individuals gather each day in the hopes of securing work that will provide them with the means to sustain themselves and support their loved ones. Despite the challenges they face, the resilience and determination of these migrants underscore the profound sacrifices they are willing to make for the promise of a better future.

— Gerardo Mencia, College of Staten Island, Las Paradas 2021