We are pleased to be sharing the newsletter from our liaison on the southern border:
Bienvenidos | Welcome
“Who is my neighbor?” A young legal scholar famously posed this question to Jesus in the gospels. As you likely know, Jesus reframed the question by offering up the story of the Good Samaritan. Then, he closed with a question of his own. Jesus asked: in the story, who behaved like a good neighbor to the man who had fallen prey to the violence of organized crime on his journey? The answer was obvious: the Samaritan. He accompanied the man, tended to his wounds, found him shelter, and ensured he could recover and complete his travels. Ourstrategic priorityof Migrant Integration recognizes that we, too, can be good neighbors. Seeking migration with dignity extends far beyond crossing the border. Our work has put us in a unique position of trust. We regularly and deeply connect with migrants. These bonds continue after a person has entered the U.S., but their focus shifts. Once our siblings in migration enter the U.S., our invitation is to come alongside them in building a life and community in a new place. I have been heartened to see people respond to this invitation. Churches, schools, migrants who have already found their footing, and people like you, Heather, have all answered the call. Jesus’ highlights that our “neighbor” is not just the person who lives close by. This is true. Yet we also recognize that migrants are often our literal neighbors, too. Across our country, migrants are sustaining and participating in our communities. In every sense of the word, migrants are our neighbors. We simply get to choose how we will welcome them. I am thankful for people like you, whose support makes it possible for us to love and accompany our neighbors, even long after they travel beyond the border. Blessings, Joanna WilliamsExecutive DirectorKino Border Initiative
Feature: Close to Home – How migrant integration fosters a cycle of dignity
Sr. Tracey Horan and Carlotta in Baltimore visiting with education partners and advocating for migrants.
Migrant Integration, or ensuring migrants are participating in sustained communities of mutual accompaniment in the US, is one of the priorities of our 5-year strategic plan. We want to welcome migrants and ensure they are able to thrive in new soil. Everyone has a role to play in making this possible. Personally, we have seen Kino volunteers, partners, and The Church have been vital partners in migrant integration throughout the US. READ MORE.
Migrant Story: “Reclaim your rights.” Alfredo describes CBP abuse and recovery alongside St. Joseph’s Parish
Alfredo suffered abuse at the hands of CBP and is recovering in the US with the support of a partner.
Alfredo fled his home to seek economic opportunity, only to be confronted with CBP abuse that left lasting damage to his body. Today, read about how Alfredo has fought to reclaim his own rights, seek restitution, and create a community of his own in the US alongside Saint Joseph’s Parish in Seattle Washington. READ MORE.
Media Report
This month, we report on the Supreme Court ruling that determines the Biden Administration can shift priorities on immigration, an investigation that reveals the deleterious effects of Biden’s new policies, and the connection between forced migration and human trafficking. READ MORE.
Announcements
We join in solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters when we actively volunteer our time and resources. This month, we’ve seen several ways we can serve migrants amid migration—through fulfilling physical needs and offering our attention. We thrive when we dedicate resources and care to migrating person. READ MORE.
