In the thick of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016, and through the travel bans his administration issued in 2017, journalist Kelsey Freeman spent nine months interviewing Central American and Mexican migrants in a shelter in central Mexico, along the migrant path. No Option But North interweaves their stories with research and anecdotes from Freeman’s experiences to reveal the fundamental moral quandaries involved in contemporary migration—from the expanding gang violence that drives migrants out of their home countries, to their dearth of legal options on both sides of the border, and more. In the process, Freeman takes us on a harrowing journey that strikes at the heart of the human ability to endure.

A timely chronicle of contemporary migration from Central America and Mexico that peels back the layers of privilege underlying American and Mexican migration policies, No Option But North adds powerful color and force to the immigration narrative.

After all that she experienced and witnessed during her time in Mexico, Kelsey feels that sharing the actual words and stories of migrants is the best way to bring attention to their plight: “For me, I have to believe in the power of stories.”

Winner of the Colorado Book Award in creative nonfiction and finalist for the Oregon Book Award in general nonfiction.

About The Author

As a writer and educator, Kelsey focuses on Indigenous rights, immigration policy, and social justice. She has spoken and interviewed across the country on immigration policy. When she is not writing, Kelsey works in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Central Oregon Community College, where she runs a college-readiness program for Native American high school students. She holds a BA in Government and Legal Studies with high honors from Bowdoin College.