Josh Meltzer
USA

Nominee

"Internal Migration"

Migration within Mexico has perhaps had a larger impact on numbers of Mexicans than the better publicized story of immigration to the U.S. Just as America rapidly became urbanized in the early 20th century, Mexicans are moving from rural regions to large Mexican cities at increasing rates. Though much of what the cities have to offer – electricity, running water and education – are good, families often discover that moving to urban regions can be difficult and dangerous, especially for children. Antonio Hernandez carries his daughter Angela to her baptism ceremony through a broken fence on land outside of Guadalajara where they have been living rent free in partial exchange for making bricks. The family originates from the neighboring state of Zacatecas.