Originally produced for Radio Netherlands and also aired on FSRN
An estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants live in the US. Many have arrived via a clandestine border crossing. The actual feat of crossing the border requires steady nerves and physical exertion. Many first-time crossers are not fully aware of what to expect. But would-be migrants and the curious can get a taste of what it’s like at an ecotourism park in Central Mexico.
[dewplayer:http://www.fsrn.org/audio/download/7278/20100806sy.mp3]
Visitors begin to congregate in a parking lot in El Alberto after sundown, chatting amongst themselves in small groups. At about 9pm, Ernesto Oliva stands on the flat bed of a pick up truck and calls out the names of the people who have signed up for a 5 hour walk.
