To the Promised Land

Aperture
1988

To The Promised Land gives an intimate view of a situation of enormous and often tragic proportions. The photographic portraits and reportage of the long dangerous journey from Mexico to the United States is supported by a brilliant essay by Richard Rodriquez. The images take us from rural Mexico to the U.S.-Mexican Border and finally to the communities of Southern California, where these undocumented immigrants try to create a new life.

Click on any of the photos below to see a larger version.

Bandit
Victim of Bandits
San Ysidro

Three Brothers
Three Brothers
Cuyotepeji, Oaxaca, Mexico

Bride
La Novia (The Bride)
Tequixtepec, Oaxaca

My Life
Mi Vida (My Life)
Young Couple Hiding from La Migra
San Ysidro

Feet
Feet of the Campesino
Oaxaca, Mexico

International Hole
The International Hole
Tijuana/San Ysidro
Memorial
Anniversary Memorial for Grandmother
Oaxaca, Mexico

 Tortillas
Tortillas, Frijoles and Queso for Dinner
Michoacan, Mexico

All photographs ©1999 Ken Light
All rights reserved, may not be reproduced without written permission