Crossing the San Ysidro Border from San Diego to Tijuana

I recently crossed the San Ysidro border by foot. A few things I experienced :

1) I was shocked at how quickly I was able to walk from USA into Mexico. The total process, including reviewing the health certificates for my dogs, was under 20 minutes. It is my preferred method from getting into Mexico from USA if you’re visiting Tijuana (which has a revitalized food & culture scene which you can read about here). 🌮

2) When I was filling out the paperwork to enter the country, being that I appear Mexican (because I am Mexican), a Mexican border official asked (in Spanish) if I was Mexican. Although unable to speak Spanish, I understood this question and said “Si.” Realizing I don’t speak fluent Spanish, he asked if I was born in Mexico and I proudly said “Yes, Guadalajara.” He snatched the paperwork out of my hand and in English said “You were born here so you don’t have to fill out the paperwork.” Winning! 🎟

3) When I was adopted from Mexico I wasn’t necessarily saved from a terrible life. Who knows how my life would have turned out. But because I was adopted by an incredible mom and dad from New York City, I was gifted with becoming an American citizen, a strong education and a country with upward mobility. And I get to say I’m a Mexican Jew (or a challah-peño) which sounds really cool and unique. 🇺🇸🇲🇽✡️

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I’m sharing these stories because it’s reminder of how blessed many of us are to have a roof over our heads, food to eat, water to drink and the ability travel at will. Many of us will never have to escape our countries against our will by foot. We can leave our countries by choice and be welcomed with open arms as I was in Thailand.

Hearing about the caravan situation at San Ysidro border is absolutely heartbreaking. I fear there are not going to be many winners in this scenario. If anyone knows of a trusted charity that I can make a humanitarian donation towards food, water and/or housing specifically for families with children, please let me know in the comments.

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As a note, this is not a political post. I am not sharing any opinions or solutions. I don’t even know what “right” or “left” means unless it’s a driving direction or what “right wing” or “left wing” means unless it’s referring to an airplane. But as a human being, the children involved should at least have food, water and a bed until this is resolved.

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I would love to hear your thoughts on what’s happening at the border or you can e-mail me adam@befreemysheeple.com. And of course follow me on Instagram, @adamfrancisco & @befreemysheeple.

Be Free My Sheeple.