Kino Border Initiative

History

In 2008 and 2009 in Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, this work was begun by six organizations: the California Province of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist, the Mexican Province of the Society of Jesus, the Diocese of Tucson, and the Archdiocese of Hermosillo. Its purpose is to break down barriers to humane, just, and workable migration, affirming human dignity and solidarity. KBI gives direct assistance and accompanies migrants, educates communities on both sides of the border, and collaborates with networks of research and advocacy to transform policy at all levels of government. It sees its work in continuity with the historic record of the USA in welcoming immigrants, and in support of international standards for the treatment of refugees.

Education, research, and advocacy

KBI gives presentations at parishes, schools, and organizations on immigration-related topics, including the worldwide situation of refugees and migrants. It also hosts immersion experiences in Nogales: the soup kitchen, the desert and ranchers, the courts, mixing with immigrants, day-long reflection on the central scriptural theme of “welcome the stranger.” The Kino Teens program began at Lourdes Catholic High School in Nogales, Arizona, and has become a sharing among high school students country-wide.
KBI collaborates with those who would research issues of migration policy or any aspect of the migrant’s situation. In support of advocacy, KBI collects data about the people served, their experiences, and abuses against them.

Current situation

The Center is a 20-minute walk from the Mariposa port of entry on the U.S. side. On the Mexican side many of those deported are taken by the National Institute of Migration, Mexico to the Aid Center for Deported Migrants (CAMDEP), where they are offered help for eight days, then receive bus tickets from the Mexican government, with a number returning home. The "Dining Room" served 42,998 meals in 2015. Volunteers help with first aid and other needs. Nazareth House nearby hosted 482 women and children migrants in 2015.

A survey of nearly 5000 migrants sponsored by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 2013, and authored by Michael S. Danielson of American University, identified the following problems, and made recommendations for improvement. 1) Migrants are often separated from their families by the deportation process employed by the US Border Patrol, making them more vulnerable to thievery and physical and sexual abuse at the hands of criminal gangs in this dangerous region of Mexico. Such separation is against the stated policy of the Patrol. Night deportation, subjecting deportees to increased risks, is sometimes practiced, though against USBP policy. 2) Many being deported were simply trying to unite with other family members legally living in the USA. 3) Many are fleeing the increasing violence in Mexico due to drug trafficking. 4) Multiple data sources indicate abuse by U.S. immigration authorities, with the Border Patrol being accused of some form of abuse by 24.8% of those interviewed. This included systematically denying Mexican migrants the right to contact their consulate. 5) Authorities at every level in Mexico are known to take advantage of deported migrants, particularly those from Central America.

The Executive Director of the Center, Rev. Sean Carroll, S.J., expresses hope: “We’re moving towards a time when I think we have a border that truly is humane, where there is binational collaboration and where the humanity of the migrant – man, woman, and child – is respected.”

The public interest in this issue is evident from the number of articles on internet: over 500 hits on Google search (March 22, 2016). There follows a selection of these articles, all of which reference the Kino initiative: