Throughout 2019, the Trump administration implemented a series of dangerous, immoral, and illegal policies that severely restricted the right to seek asylum. These included returning vulnerable people to await their court dates in Mexico, the implementation of a transit ban, the development of expedited removal programs, and the signing of “safe third country agreements” with Central American nations. It is likely that 2020 will only see the expansion of these policies and place people fleeing … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2020
Testimonies from MPP
The following testimonies are from families who came to the Comedor during the month of January. All had sought protection in the U.S., and all were sent back to Nogales to await their court dates in El Paso, which were generally months out. The families asked for their experiences to be shared publicly. These were first read at the “Save Asylum” protest in Tucson on January 31, and in order to elevate the asylum-seekers’ voices, we share them here as well. TESTIMONY … [Read more...]
February Media Report
Our media report this month covers the expanded use of power by individual Border Patrol agents, which have the potential to profoundly impact the outcome of asylum-seekers' cases; the disappointing ruling by the Supreme Court upholding the "public charge rule," and a recently released study that demonstrates the high numbers of people who are killed or assaulted following their deportation from the U.S. to El Salvador. 1) Border Patrol agents’ expanded powers: Under the Trump … [Read more...]
January-February 2020 Announcements
2020 got off to a full start at the Kino Border Initiative! We report here on an annual event for high schoolers in the Arizona/Sonora area to fortify advocacy networks among area youth; staff travel to Chicago; a Tucson protest against Remain in Mexico; preparations for the grand opening celebration; and several immersion groups. 1) Walking in Mercy: On Saturday, February 8th, scores of students and staff from eight Arizona high schools and one Mexican high school gathered at San … [Read more...]
Join Public Actions Against the Assault on Asylum
The violations against asylum-seekers are illegal and dangerous. By moving asylum-seekers further from the public eye—across the border in Mexico, in expedited removal proceedings, or in Central America—the administration is intending to make them invisible. A number of groups and events are organizing public witnesses in protest. One, “Witness at the Border,” is calling on a continued presence in Brownsville, Texas/Matamoros, Mexico to observe and protest the Remain in Mexico policy, the … [Read more...]