Columbus, New Mexico (CNN) Fifth grader JoAnna Rodriguez is on her way to the school bus when she realizes she's forgotten something important. It's not homework or lunch. She pulls out a cell phone and calls home while rummaging through her horse-themed backpack. "Mom, I forgot my passport," she says. JoAnna, 11, needs proof that she is a US citizen to get to school. The self-proclaimed future nurse with the long braid draped down one shoulder is one of nearly 800 American students who live in Palomas, Mexico, and cross the US border each morning to attend public school in nearby Columbus.Nearly 800 American students live in Palomas, Mexico, and cross the US border each day to attend public school in New MexicoIt allows families dealing with deportation to live together in Mexico without sacrificing their kids' education in the US
As children cross the border into New Mexico, mothers back in _ stand on tiptoes to wave goodbye.