tw-link
{
color: #66A1E8;
}
tw-passage
{
color: #66A1E8;
}The Crossing
The crossing is a straight shot. If you face the United States:
...your left side is made up of roadways crossing the border. People caught in the permanent traffic jam blares their horns, exacerbating the stress of the situation.
...your right side is lined with market stands, printing services, snack shops, beggars, musicians, running children, performers, and vendors orbiting people in line.
That's all behind you now, though. As you look back from the home-stretch of this security checkpoint, impatient faces line all the way back to the main entrance. It's almost your turn, and you're $anxiety_player. Judging by the number of officers, security must be $anxiety_facility today.
As you turn forward, a sniffer dog and his handler approach you.
(if:$anxiety_player is "feeling kind of anxious")[\
[[Twitch as you stare ahead.->AnxOfficer3]]
~~Nod to the officer.~~
~~Stare into space.~~
]\
(else:)[\
[[Stare into space.->AnxOfficer1]]
[[Nod to the officer.->AnxOfficer2]]
]In an Orderly Fashion
Immigration simulation by Oliver Berggren
[[Start Game->Intro]] Flesh and Blood
You are a law abiding person entering the United States. Your identity is random, and you will figure out more about yourself when circumstances require you to check your privilege. You are not violating criminal law in any way.
You have a paperwork mishap that may prevent you from crossing the border. Law enforcement officers' ethnicities, behaviors, and intentions are unpredictable. They may or may not be sympathetic, racist, or on-the-alert.
You're not always be better off by being a push-over. If they apply to you, there are constitutional rights which, in different circumstances, may or may not protect you. Whatever you say may also be used against you.
The identity and personalities of you and other characters are random. The law treats people differently, and it will for you, too. Your playthroughs will be very different.
[[Proceed.->Proceed In an Orderly Fashion]]Conclusion
The design goal of this game was to transcend barriers of nationality, law, and ethnicity to create empathy. I did so by deriving from my real experiences.
For a long time, my Mexican mother's residency status was at great risk. We once waited in line to cross the border, and we let people go ahead of us so we wouldn't get a white (and possibly racist) immigration officer. When it was our turn, we were told by an empathetic, Black officer that he would let us pass, but that he didn't need to.
It was a very real possibility that the government would split my family in half. It took many years for my mom's status to re-solidify, and our experiences at border crossings (whether by air or by land) were nail-bitingly anxious.
I hope this game does what it was designed to do: garner empathy you might not have felt, and empathize with people in circumstances you may never experience.
[[Main Menu->Intro]] ARRESTED
The border worker stamps your paperwork with "DENIED", sometimes stamping the same page twice as though you didn't get the message.
"You will not be entering the United States."
As you look at the officer in the glass booth, you see the reflection of Mexican and American police, all in an arresting formation behind you.
"Hands where I can see them, you're under arrest..."
[[Conclusion->conclusion]] AT LAST
"There's some discrepancies with your documentation, but you're in a satisfactory condition to cross."
Among the pile of papers, the highlighted regions indicate what is cause for concern.
"You might not be so lucky next time, definitely get these fixed."
The border worker stamps your paperwork, sometimes stamping the same page twice.
"Welcome to the United States. Here's your paperwork, safe travels."
Take me home, country road.
[[Conclusion->conclusion]] DENIED
The border worker stamps your paperwork with "DENIED", sometimes stamping the same page twice as though you didn't get the message.
"You will not be entering the United States. Here's your paperwork."
You turn around and walk back into Mexico.
[[Conclusion.->conclusion]] The Hound
A beastly, police-vested dog starts sniffing your vicinity. His handler, a stoic Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, stares you down through Oakley shades. The tinted lenses reflect your $skin_player-skinned face.
(if:$skin_player is "dark" or $smell_dog is "high" or $anxiety_facility is "high") [\
The dog follows its snout across your bags. His handler takes a step back, as though you are a threat.
"Follow me. We're going to inspect your possessions, please obey any instructions."
]\
(if:$smell_dog is "high") [\
The dog's ears get pointy, and it hunches towards you as if it might just pounce.
"Do not try to intimidate or evade the dog, it's trained to subdue you. Something in your bags set him off."
]\
(if:$skin_player is "dark" and $anxiety_facility is "high") [\
He stares you up and down, looking for the silhouette of non-existant contraband.
"Keep your hands where I can see them, unless I tell you otherwise. We're going to search your person as well."
]\
(else-if:$skin_player is "dark" and $anxiety_facility is "low") [\
He stares you up and down, looking for the silhouette of non-existant contraband.
"We're going to search your person as well."
]\
(else-if:$skin_player is "fair" and $anxiety_facility is "low") [\
"We're going to have to search your person as well. If you'd like, we can conduct this in a curtained area."
]\
(else-if:$skin_player is "fair" and $anxiety_facility is "high") [\
"We'll be searching your person as well. Just protocol. If you'd like, we can conduct this in a curtained area."
]\
(if:$skin_player is "dark" or $smell_dog is "high" or $anxiety_facility is "high") [\
[[Comply with the search.->The Shakedown]]\
]\
(else-if: $smell_dog is "low") [\
The dog loses interest.
In tandem, the two bullies proceed down the line.
[[Wait in line.->The Doorman]]
]\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
The Shakedown
The officer escorts you to an isolated area. A Latina security official stands adjacent to a large scanning machine, similar to an airport.
"Empty all your personal belongings into a plastic tub, including your shoes, and proceed forward."
She repeats the sentence in Spanish.
Then says it again in English.
And again in Spanish.
For every new cluster of people at the front of the line, she repeats her speech.
You look behind you. The line of "suspicious" people behind you are mostly of a darker pigment or destitute-looking, with the exception of a white tweaker and some tattooed, fair-skinned Mexicans.
You load your belongings in the tub, and proceed to the body scanner.
A security official waves you through.
"Stand still and make the same pose as the illustration in front of you."
In your peripheral vision, the officer at the control panel looks concerned. The officer who just instructed you briefly uses his radio.
"Slowly step forward, hands where I can see them."
An armed officer approaches the vicinity, and a security official puts his hand in your back pocket.
His blue-gloved hand removes a foil gum wrapper.
His crony at the control panel gives the all-clear.
[["My apologies, I think that's all I had."->AnxOfficer4]]
[["My apologies, may I go now?"->All Clear]](set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
The Inspector
"Due to the possibility of you carrying other unintended or illicit goods, I'm going to manually search your bags. Is there anything you forgot to declare? Anything I should know about?"
[["I'm not sure, I don't want to get in any trouble."->Passive Response]]
[["Perhaps some of my groceries, ma'am."->Constitutional Response]] Passive Response
"I'm not sure, I don't want to get in any trouble."
(if:$suspicion > 3)[\
The officers must be suspicious of you. As she makes eye contact with you, the official's radio loudly says "Jansport backpack": your backpack.
She goes through your duffle bag:
"Fruits? Meats?!"
"It's against the law to try and bring this across."
[["Food's so expensive in the States, just trying to eat, ma'am."->barred from entry]]\
~~"My apologies, may I go now?"~~
]\
(else:)[\
"I was unaware, just trying to eat, ma'am."
She puts all your belongings back in their respective bags, then shoves your duffle at you.
[["My apologies, may I go now?"->All Clear]]
]Constitutional Response
"Perhaps some of my groceries, ma'am."
She gets this every couple of hours. Uninterested, but obligated, she looks at you:
"Groceries?"
As she goes through your duffle bag:
"No fruits. No meats."
She types into her computer, and gives a thumbs up to her coworker.
"Here's your bags."
[["My apologies, may I go now?"->All Clear]](if: $check1 is not "false")[\
(set: $check1 to "true")\
]\
(if: $trust is not "false")[\
(set: $trust to "true")\
]\
Your Purpose
You're the anomalous edge case holding up the line. As you look back, the jammed lane of human traffic stares at you with impatience.
The officer looks up at you.
"What's the purpose of your travel?"
"I've got a lot of family living stateside, so I'll be helping them with..."
[[Give an overkill, encompassing response.->convenient response]]
[[Give an assertive, short response.->assertive response]] (if: $check2 is not "false")[\
(set: $check2 to "true")\
]\
The "Burden" of an Immigrant
You're $anxiety_player. You're really not sure how long you'll be staying, and there could be some legal implications for staying as long as your family needs you to.
This is the last part of this interaction where you want to stop and think. Doing so will just put you under even more scrutiny. You go with the flow, and:
(if: $anxiety_player is "feeling kind of anxious")[\
Breath. Breath. Keep it together.
[["Give an unplanned, but specific duration."->unsure, more-specific response]]
]\
(else:)[\
[["Give a vague response."->general response]]
]\
Convenient Response
You give a convenient, encompassing response about what you'll be doing.
"Sounds about right."
The officer looks at you inquisitively.
(if:$ethnicity_officer is "caucasian")[\
"Still, not a very specific agenda."
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
[["I don't have much to say, sir."->"how long do you intend to stay?"]]
](else:)[\
"Anything we should know about your personal background or family business, specifically regarding your entrance into the United States?
[["I don't have anything to say, sir."->"how long do you intend to stay?"]]
]Assertive Response
You give an assertive, narrow response about what you'll be doing.
"Sounds about right."
The officer looks at you inquisitively.
"You probably won't be stateside for very long then, hm?"
(if:$skin_player is "dark")[\
[["Nope, shouldn't be up there more than they need me to be."->intimidated3]]
]\
(else:)[\
[["I've got some family holiday stuff planned out afterwards, too."->"how long do you intend to stay?"]]
]Unsure, Specifically-Long Duration
You gave an unsure, but more-specific response.
As the officer makes his official small-talk to question your character, you gave an unsure, but more-specific response: once everything's lined up, your family business can start working on improvements. It'll take X weeks to get ready, and it'll take about 9 to finish up.
(if:$ethnicity_officer is "caucasian")[\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion + 1)\
The white, concerned officer looks suspicious.
"Quite a vague answer."
[["Sorry officer, best I can do."->the last word]]
]\
(else:)[\
[["I know that's a bit vague, but it's about as accurate a guess as I can get.."->the last word]]
]Indeterminately-Long Duration
As the officer makes his official small-talk to question your character, you gave a general response: a vague chunk of time that a family business would need to make some significant changes. Although indeterminately-long, you are being honest.
[[Proceed.->the last word]] The Doorman
You are finally at the front of the line.
The person ahead of you finishes their turn. With your papers at the ready, you await an immigration officer.
The border checkpoint is a generic government building: built tall and with concrete, marble, and bricks to look imposing. Gum is squashed into the floor tiling from its enthusiastic visitors, and their cacophony of voices ricochet off of the tall stone walls until they hit the ceiling.
You look at the time, then you look at the crowd. For every person who's in and out, there's ten people stagnated at the security booth on everyone else's time.
The person to your front-right gets their passport stamped and heads off. A $ethnicity_officer border guard waves you over.
"Documentation, please."
You slide it through.
The adjacent facial recognition camera confirms your name and face. He flicks through your Manila folder.
"It says here you're from **place of origin**, but that doesn't match with this paperwork right here. Can you clarify this for me?"
[["Of course..."->"where are you from?"]] Your Roots
You're from an area where many smugglers, traffickers, and other members of crime syndicates are also from. Your paperwork is set up in such a way that you avoid possible scrutiny, and it says you are from an adjacent district as opposed to that specific area. It's the kind of technicality that's neither a truth nor a lie.
[[Give a generalized description of where you're from: a description fit for a foreigner.->general area]]
[[Speak formally, but use local vernacular to describe where you're from.->local terminology]] Home, Vaguely
You give a generalized description of where you're from: a description fit for a foreigner. It was pretty likely that the failed military-types had repressed, drunken memories from that side of town.
(if:$ethnicity_officer is "caucasian")[\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
He nods his head and types the info into his computer.
[["What is the purpose of your travel?"->"what is the purpose of your travel?"]]
](else-if:$ethnicity_officer is "latino")[\
(if:$suspicion < 2)[\
He nods his head and types the info into his computer.
He gives you a look of suspicion.
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
[["Be more specific."->"what is the purpose of your travel?"]]
]
(else-if: ($suspicion is 2))[\
He nods his head and types the info into his computer.
He gives you a look of suspicion.
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
[["Be more specific."->"what is the purpose of your travel?"]]
]
(else-if: ($suspicion > 2))[\
He nods his head and types the info into his computer.
He gives you a look of suspicion.
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
[["Be more specific."->"what is the purpose of your travel?"]]
]\
]Home, Specifically
You speak formally, but use local vernacular to describe where you're from.
(if:$ethnicity_officer is "latino")[\
(if: $suspicion > 2)[\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
[[He gives you a concerning, curious look->intimidated2]]
]\
(else-if: $suspicion < 2)[\
The officer gives a warm smile.
[["My in-laws are from there, too."->trustworthy]]
]\
(else-if: $suspicion is 2)[\
The officer gives a warm smile.
[["My in-laws are from there, too."->trustworthy]]
]\
]\
(else-if:$ethnicity_officer is "caucasian")[\
He nods his head and types the info into his computer.
[["What is the purpose of your travel?"->"what is the purpose of your travel?"]]
](set: $check1 to "false")\
(set: $trust to "false")\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
Twisted Roots
You spoke formally, but used a local vernacular to describe where you're from.
"Right."
The officer types a lot of your info into his computer, sometimes transcribing straight from your paperwork.
[[Wait for him to finish typing.->"what is the purpose of your travel?"]] (set: $check2 to "false")\
Turning Point
He looks at you as though you're hiding something.
(if: $check1 is "false") [\
(if: $suspicion >= 3)[\
[["I'm trying to work with your paperwork, but there's many inconsistencies..."->barred from entry]]
]\
(else-if: $suspicion >= 4)[\
[["Just a moment..."->arrested]]
]\
]\
(else:)[\
[["Just a moment..."->"how long do you intend to stay?"]]
]The Last Word
"Alright, so..."
The officer somehow has more to type into his computer.
"There's some paperwork that's not in order."
The officer somehow has even MORE to type into his computer.
You look around. As other people have come and left, you're still here. An audience of people stare at you: fellow candidates for this raffle of freedom. You tightly grip the counter of the security booth, praying this all ends smoothly.
(if: ($trust is "true") and ($suspicion <= 3) and ($anxiety_facility is "low")) [\
[[Take a deep breath.->pass]]
]\
(else-if: $suspicion >= 4) [\
[[Grind your teeth as you wait.->arrested]]
]\
(else-if: $suspicion > 3)[\
[[Grind your teeth as you wait.->barred from entry]]
]\
(else-if: ($suspicion <= 3))[\
(if:($check1 is "true") and ($check2 is "true"))[\
[[Take a deep breath.->pass]]
]\
(else-if: ($check1 is "true") and ($check2 is "false"))[\
[[Grind your teeth as you wait.->pass]]
]\
(else-if: ($check1 is "false") and ($check2 is "true"))[\
[[Grind your teeth as you wait.->pass]]
]\
(else-if: $check1 is "false" and $check2 is "false")[\
[[Grind your teeth as you wait.->barred from entry]]
]\
](set: $trust = "earned")\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion -1)\
Earned the Officer's Trust
"my in-laws are from there, too."
The officer goes on to make small talk, as though there are not lines of people behind you: patiently waiting to cross.
[[Keep making conversation.->"what is the purpose of your travel?"]] Foreword
I'm biracial: half-Mexican, half-white, and I was born in Tijuana, Mexico. This game manifests my experiences of walking across the US-Mexico border during the early 2000s. As you play, consider that the Trump administration has made this situation worse than I've portrayed it. My overall goal in making this game was to allow anyone to experience this nation's racist system of immigration.
[[Proceed.->Game Mechanics]]
<!-- Variables: Player -->
(set: $anxiety_player to (either: "feeling kind of anxious","not feeling very anxious"))
(set: $skin_player to (either: "fair","dark"))
(set: $residency_player to (either: "valid", "expired"))
<!-- %Variables: Facility -->
(set: $anxiety_facility to (either: "high", "low"))
<!-- Variables: Immigration Officer% -->
(set: $anxiety_officer to (either: "high", "low"))
(set: $ethnicity_officer to (either: "caucasian","latino"))
(set: $sympathy_officer to (either: "high","low"))
(set: $check1 to "...")
(set: $check2 to "...")
(set: $trust to "...")
<!-- %Variables: Dog -->
(set: $smell_dog to (either: "high", "low"))
(if:$skin_player is "dark") [
(set: $suspicion to (1))
](else:)[
(set: $suspicion to (0))
]
(set: $action_officer to "stare")\
All in a Split Second: Stare Into Space
The officer enters your field of view, and he looks you in the eye to test your resolve.
You stare into space, the best way to avoid confrontation.
Among the masses of people in line, most do the same, with some giving a brief glance at the officer's dog or armaments.
[[Proceed.->The Dog]] (set: $action_officer to "nod")\
(if:$skin_player is "dark") [\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
]\
All in a Split Second: Nod at the Officer
The officer enters your field of view, and he looks you in the eye to test your resolve.
You give him a nod of acknowledgement.
(if:$skin_player is "dark") [\
He gives a robotic stare in return.
Your suspicion has increased.
[[You were just trying to be nice.->The Dog]]
]\
(else:) [\
(set: $suspicion to 0)\
He returns eye contact and nods back.
Your suspicion has decreased.
[[Proceed.->The Dog]]
]\
(set: $action_officer to "twitch")\
(set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
All in a Split Second: Nervous Tick
Your sweaty palms clench your belongings.
As you try and stare ahead, the officer enters your field of view. His stare breaks your resolve, and you twitch.
Your suspicion has increased.
[[Snap out of it.->The Dog]] (set: $suspicion to $suspicion +1)\
Further Inspection
"My apologies, I think that's all I had."
The security official next to the baggage conveyer sighs, and the adjacent officer directs you to him.
[[Proceed.->The Inspector]] (set: $suspicion to $suspicion -1)\
All Clear
"My apologies, may I go now?"
"You're all clear. Go to the front of that line and await official instructions."
You rejoin the line to enter the United States.
[[Wait.->The Doorman]]