More Central Americans than ever before are seeking asylum in Mexico, fleeing their violence-torn homelands. Yet even with some improvements to the asylum system there, the country has not met pace with the demand, adequately addressed the various obstacles to asylum, or provided sufficient services to asylum recipients. In recent years, Mexico has experienced an unprecedented rise in the number of migrants passing through or staying in the country. Though U.S. immigration policies, border … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2017
The First Trans-Gay Migrant Caravan
With banners and heads held high, sixteen transgender and gay migrants from Central America and Mexico marched through Nogales, Sonora, and presented themselves at the border to seek asylum and lives free of persecution and violence. It was not the start of their journeys, but the two miles traversed between the KBI comedor and the DeConcini Port of Entry represented a major milestone for 12 transgender women and 4 gay men seeking asylum in the U.S., and perhaps marks a beginning of broader … [Read more...]
KBI Media Report: August 2017
This month’s report covers the decision to rescind the DACA program, Arpaio’s presidential pardon, the termination of a U.S. program aimed at safeguarding Central American children, and migrant deaths at the U.S.–Mexico border. These alarming news stories underscore why the KBI’s advocacy efforts and research reports are more important than ever. DACA Rescinded: The Trump Administration has announced that it will terminate DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a program … [Read more...]
KBI September Announcements
Starting in September, the KBI has merged our English and Spanish Facebook pages; like and follow our page for the most recent KBI updates. Also, stream our upcoming live conversation about the border; check out a recent discussion on migrant advocacy; read an essay on border issues by a Leadership Days student; and learn about the KBI’s recent immersions, staff retreat, and board meeting. Facebook Page in English and Spanish: The Kino Border Initiative has merged its English and Spanish … [Read more...]
Defending the DREAMers
With the termination of DACA (Deferred Action for Child Arrivals) announced on September 5, close to 800,000 young students and workers who have lived in the U.S. for almost their entire lives—often called DREAMers—will be at risk of deportation in six months. Instituted in 2012 by executive order, the program has provided temporary relief and work permits to these migrant youth and young adults who were brought to the U.S. as children. DACA has allowed them to make continued contributions to … [Read more...]