As the issue of immigration once again commanded center stage of a national debate, the Philip Merrill College of Journalism focused on Mexico for its first international reporting course. Four graduate students traveled to Mexico for ten days to report in-depth magazine pieces. Their stories present a compelling view of why so many Mexicans risk their lives to illegally cross the border.

Americans view immigration as a threat; these four stories illuminate the reasons behind the swelling tide of migration that is transforming both the U.S. and Mexico. Time and again, reporters heard that if Mexicans could find a decent way to make a living they would gladly stay in their home country.

To read their work, visit www.merrill.umd.edu/dateline/