BTN News: In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the number of migrants being repatriated to the Arizona border, a trend that has intensified since the implementation of new executive orders restricting asylum claims. These changes have left many individuals returning with nothing but uncertainty, often arriving with no personal belongings or immediate means of support. Amidst this challenging environment, the Kino Border Initiative (KBI) has become a crucial lifeline for these vulnerable people. The organization, which has been operating on both sides of the border in Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, for the past 15 years, now offers a sanctuary where migrants can find not only basic necessities like food and shelter but also emotional support, legal aid, and a sense of community.
The Kino Border Initiative’s Migrant Attention Center, a pivotal part of their operations, provides shelter to up to 120 migrants at a time, allowing them to stay for a maximum of 10 days. This time limit is carefully managed to ensure that each individual is given the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives. According to Pedro De Velasco, the legal director of the Kino Border Initiative, this 10-day period is essential not only for the migrants’ well-being but also for the organization’s psychosocial support team. The team works closely with each person to make sure that by the end of their stay, they are emotionally prepared, have identified potential sources of income, and have secured a place to go next.
The initiative began humbly 15 years ago, initially offering meals to deported migrants in a small space. However, four years ago, the organization moved into a larger facility, significantly expanding its capacity and services. The new building now serves as a comprehensive support center where migrants can find not only temporary shelter but also a variety of services designed to help them regain their footing. In addition to providing breakfast and lunch, the center includes a reading area, a clothing store, and spaces for rest and recreation.
One of the unique aspects of the Kino Border Initiative is its commitment to fostering a sense of community and empowerment among the migrants. This is evident in the various workshops offered at the center. These workshops are not traditional classes led by staff members; instead, they are opportunities for migrants to share their skills and talents with one another. Whether it’s baking, cooking, embroidery, sewing, or painting, the workshops allow migrants to connect with each other, learn new skills, and contribute to the community that has formed within the center’s walls.
For many migrants, the Kino Border Initiative represents a beacon of hope in an otherwise daunting journey. The psychological and legal support they receive, coupled with the opportunity to build new friendships, helps to restore their sense of dignity and purpose. Evelyn Mariño, one of the many visitors to the Migrant Attention Center, expressed her deep gratitude for the help she has received, saying, “Here, I have received so much help. I thank God for bringing me to this place.”
The Kino Border Initiative’s mission goes beyond just offering immediate relief to migrants. The organization is also dedicated to promoting humane immigration policies and advocating for justice at the U.S.-Mexico border. Through their humanitarian efforts, social education, and pastoral care, they aim to create a more compassionate and just environment for all those affected by the complexities of migration.
As the challenges at the border continue to evolve, the Kino Border Initiative remains a vital source of support and advocacy, providing migrants with the resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
