Central American migrants, fleeing their homelands to escape violence and poverty, are beset by dangers as they travel through Mexico. Crimes against Central American migrants are common, and many encounter discrimination, corrupt government officials, and deportation. Kevin and Jason--two brothers from Guatemala--shared their story with KBI, an account that illustrates how harrowing the journey can be. … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2019
Seeking Asylum from Mexico: Dangers and Dilemmas
While much attention has been paid to Central American asylum seekers, many Mexicans are also coming to the U.S. to seek asylum from cartel-related violence, only to encounter numerous obstacles to refuge. In addition, the conflicts and crime they flee—fueled by the drug trade—are influenced in large part by U.S. markets and policies, and exacerbated by insecurity, corruption, and misguided strategies in their own country. Here is the history and current situation they are up against. The … [Read more...]
José’s Story: Fleeing Deadly Gang Violence
The violence of drug cartels and smaller narco-gangs permeates certain regions in Mexico, upending and threatening the lives of families living in cities, towns, and rural communities plagued by this blight. José’s story testifies to the daily fears and drastic decisions faced by those in the path of this criminal activity, and the need for a U.S. asylum process that recognizes the profound dangers and persecution endured by applicants from these regions. Back home in Mexico, 45-year-old … [Read more...]
KBI Media Report: February-March 2019
This month’s report covers disturbing immigration trends under the current U.S. administration—diverted resources from investigations of serious crimes at the border and the rise in miscarriages among detained expectant mothers—as well as the new Mexican policy to cooperate with U.S. efforts to keep asylum seekers in Mexico as they wait for their cases to be processed. Human Smuggling Proliferates: Despite paying lip service to concerns about border security and the dangers of human … [Read more...]
KBI March Announcements
Learn about initial fundraising numbers from our Ninth Annual KBI Dinner; ways to participate in Ignatian Family Advocacy Month; KBI staff travels; and last month’s immersion experiences. Annual Phoenix Dinner: The Ninth Annual Kino Border Initiative Dinner, held in Phoenix on Saturday, March 9, drew over 425 dedicated supporters of the KBI, and raised a preliminary total of close to $200,000 for our aid, education, and advocacy programs. Look for highlights from this event—including the … [Read more...]