They typically earn two to three dollars a day. People we interviewed in the refugee camps are very scared and hungry. Some are sick. The camps lack food and warm clothing. The Maya refugees are accustomed to warm weather but the camps where they are staying are very cold.
Most families have between five and eight children.
The refugees expressed concern about the future. Many people joined the Zapatistas, and the communities have become divided between those who support the Zapatistas and those who don't. Refugees often denounced that the Mexican army has been kidnapping, torturing and intimidating indians. The army has established a telephone line where people can call to identify Zapatistas from their communties. Everyone in the camps is frightened.