National
Maria Elena Mendieta, 37, sits behind a sewing machine at the Munecas Mina doll shop. The shop helps the women pay for their children's school so that they don't have to emigrate to the United States.
Franco Ordonez / Charlotte Observer / MCT
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) who is studying information systems at a nearby college, says several of his friends have already moved to the United States.
Franco Ordonez / Charlotte Observer / MCT
Jacinta Najera stitches the flower design for a dress.
Franco Ordonez / Charlotte Observer / MCT
Rosa Orozco Arredondo brushed the hair of doll in a traditional charra outfit or cowgirl.
Franco Ordonez / Charlotte Observer / MCT
Josefina Mendieta says her job making handmade dolls in authentic Mexican dresses are the main reason her 16-year-old son hasn't followed his father to the United States.
Franco Ordonez / Charlotte Observer / MCT
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