Border Perceptions by Border Communities-El Paso and Ciudad Juárez

What do borderlanders from El Paso and Ciudad Juárez think of each other? The results of the “Border Perceptions Index” survey were presented on May 2, 2019 at UTEP. The El Paso Community Foundation led this effort with the collaboration by Eva Moya – Department of Social Work and Joe Heyman – CIBS at UTEP, among other partners. Themes included “collaboration and international crossings, politics and participation, regional and each other city’s problems, integration, economic development, education and culture, and the environment.” With over 900 and 1500 participants from El Paso and Ciudad Juárez respectively, overall results suggest a ‘positive’ perception of each city. For example, migration in El Paso and insecurity in Ciudad Juárez are perceived as the biggest problems, many never cross the border, and half of the participants think of the other as “neighbors.” The survey has plenty of possibilities for analysis and decision-making for border interaction, development and improvement. At the end a participant asked, “Could we consider this area as one or two communities?” A vigorous discussion ensued, including ideas about complicated relationships. What do you think?