Emma Mendieta shudders at the idea of her oldest son, Jose Miguel Velasquez, spending three days in the desert and thousands of dollars they don't have trying to get to the United States, where she wouldn't see him except maybe every other year. Velasquez, 19, (seen standing) says several of his friends have already moved to the United States. (Franco Ordonez / Franco Ordonez / Charlotte Observer / MCT)