Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State International Project
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
about the Oct./ Nov. '08 Border Witness Delegation

Is it dangerous to travel to the Border in Mexico?
There are risks associated with any travel to a foreign country. Labor-Religion delegations are safe for two major reasons: we travel as a group in our own vehicles with our own drivers, and we travel with people and organizers who know the area and the communities where we visit.

Where do delegation members stay during the trip?
We arrange to stay in modest hotels during our time along the Border except for one night in the Mexican neighborhood (colonia) of Anapra. Except for the one night in a dormitory setting with a shared bathroom, all rooms have private baths and hot water. Rooms are usually double occupancy with two double beds per room with heat and air conditioning. Single rooms are available at an additional cost. Usually the hotels in which we stay have meeting rooms for our use.

Where do we eat meals?
Meals are often taken in local restaurants; breakfast is "family style" at our hotel. In addition, we make every effort to have the opportunity of sharing of some of our meals with workers and with families in the colonias (neighborhoods). They prepare meals that we share with them and their neighbors. Money for food, paper goods, utensils, and drinks is sent ahead of us to the Mexican organizers who see to it that our hosts do not incur personal expense to feed us.

What is the food like?
Food is simple and celebratory with a Border Mexican flavor. We may be served fajitas, tamales (corn meal stuffed with beans or meat), enchiladas, tostadas, or chiles rellenos and soups. Groups are often offered meat dishes (usually chicken) as a sign of hospitality. Rice and beans are usual with meals, as are flour tortillas. Soda is generally served as beverage. Our hosts are aware of health issues related to food and water and take great care to keep us well.

What kind of clothing should I plan to bring?
Dress is casual but neat: slacks or jeans with t-shirts or casual shirts. The weather can vary extensively on the Border. The preparatory information you receive for your delegation will list specific recommendations for clothing and other items to bring.

What is a typical day on a delegation like?
Days are fully scheduled and can include meetings with people on both sides of the Border and their allies involved with human rights, environmental problems, education and health issues, and immigration rights. We travel by van to colonias for meetings and meals; we drive through industrial parks to see the extent and kinds of maquiladoras in the community. We visit sites of environmental damage. Delegations may visit homes or project sites, be given presentations about wages and living expenses, or visit with people migrating north for work. A day may include a visit to a school and end with late meetings or a fiesta. We try to schedule time each day for reflection and/or relaxation.

Will I need a lot of extra money?
All travel, food, and housing expenses on the Border are provided for in the cost of the trip. It is useful to plan on bringing some money ($50 - $75 is usually enough) for personal expenses: a glass of wine, small souvenirs. (We try to schedule a small amount of time for tourist shopping.)

What about a passport?
As of June 2008, PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED for re-entry into the United States by land from Mexico. YOU MUST HAVE A CURRENT PASSPORT (after 6/08) to travel with our delegations. Passport applications are available through any U.S. Post Office.

Revised April 2008
Maureen Casey, International Project Coordinator: 518/ 213-6000, ext 6294