The coronavirus has had profound impacts on the global community, and the border is no exception. Due to policy shifts and the realities of structural inequalities, migrants and asylum-seekers have been heavily impacted by the implications of the virus. The ability of migrants to access asylum, economic stability, due process, safety, and physical well-being has been severely restricted in the past month. The novel coronavirus has upended the lives of people all over the world, as it has … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2020
Alejandro’s Story: “Those of Us In Detention Now Are Praying for a Miracle”
Alejandro is an asylum-seeker from Venezuela who is fleeing political persecution. He spent the summer in Nogales while waiting to present at the port of entry, and has been detained in La Palma since September. In early April, Alejandro shared with KBI staff what it is like to be detained amidst the pandemic. Since the time of the interview, the virus has been confirmed among several detainees in the facility. Alejandro is a 29-year-old man from Venezuela who is seeking asylum in the … [Read more...]
March 2020 Media Report
Our media report focuses on the details of expedited returns, the Trump administration's unlawful and dangerous plan to return nearly all migrants to Mexico within minutes of their apprehension; the continued construction of the border wall, in spite of protests from local communities and epidemiologists due to the high possibility of virus spread; and a profile of the dangerous journey through Panama's Darien Gap and the resilient migrants who attempt it. 1) Expedited Returns at the … [Read more...]
March-April Announcements
This month's news includes updates on how life at KBI has changed in response to the coronavirus, including a regular educational presence on Facebook Live. Additionally, we are hiring for a Director of Communications, include updates on the annual Arizona Gives Day, and welcomed two university groups in early March. 1) KBI Hiring: We are hiring for a Director of Communications! This position is responsible for humanizing the realities of migration and encouraging engagement from … [Read more...]
Contact your Congressperson: Asylum is Essential
Using the pretext of the current pandemic, the Trump Administration has effectively eliminated all access to asylum at the border by rapidly returning anyone detained at the border with no evaluation of their fear of return. We believe that asylum-seekers have the right to be processed safely, quickly, and with dignity, and to be reunited with U.S. sponsors. This process must be considered essential travel and ask you to join us in contacting your Congresspeople to oppose this policy. In tandem … [Read more...]