The Story of Juan Hernández

Frozen chicken feet. Photo: Jeffrey St. Clair.

Many rivers to cross
And it’s only my will that keeps me alive
I’ve been licked, washed up for years
And I merely survive because of my pride

– Jimmy Cliff, Many Rivers to Cross

Juan Hernández is 52 years old. He came to the US with his father when he was eight. Two years later, Juan’s father was caught in an immigration sweep in California and deported back to Mexico. Juan remained, staying with relatives outside of Lodi...