B Stands for Balance

Good afternoon,

Last week, members of the Forum’s Field and Policy teams experienced the border at El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. We learned from stakeholders on both sides of the border about their work with migrants and asylum-seekers.

In El Paso, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents spoke about the importance of keeping the border safe and ensuring that all migrants are treated with dignity and respect. To achieve these goals, the right balance of infrastructure, technology and personnel at the border is needed. The agents told us the hardest part of the job is working with vulnerable families and children who risk their lives to cross the border. There are concerns about migrants falling prey to human trafficking schemes from smugglers. Border Patrol agents spend a significant part of their time rescuing migrants who are in crisis along the border. They are constantly required to adjust their tactics to respond to both changes in policy and migration patterns. These agents are an integral part of how DHS controls the ebbs and flows of migration into our country.

Across the border, we heard from representatives at the State Population Council (COESPO), a Chihuahua state agency. Part of COESPO’s work focuses on migrant reception. In collaboration with other state offices, international organizations and the United Nations, COESPO coordinates intake and care for deportees and asylum-seekers in Juárez. Notably, approximately 60% of the population in COESPO’s shelter networks are Mexican nationals who have fled horrific conditions in their home regions. COESPO’s engagement in Chihuahua has improved the quality of life for migrants in the region, particularly in comparison to other Mexican border states.

We also visited two migrant shelters: one in Juárez and one in El Paso. Pastor Juan Fierro García runs Templo El Buen Pastor, one of 21 shelters in Juárez registered with COESPO. At first only for single adults, the shelter began caring for families in 2019 and has since tripled its capacity. Many of the families at the shelter are mixed status and include children with U.S. citizenship. In some cases, parents have sent their children to make the dangerous journey alone, with the hope that their children will be allowed into the U.S. According to Pastor García, factors driving these families to the border include violence, climate change, and poor economies. Misinformation about the openness of the border and rumors started by smugglers also contribute to the influx of migrants.

On the U.S. side of the border, the Scotsdale Baptist Church has converted much of its facility into a short-term migrant shelter. CBP transports migrants to the church, where volunteers quickly assess immediate needs, conduct COVID testing, and provide food, clothing, and other essentials. Most of the arriving migrants already have sponsors lined up in other parts of the country and are awaiting travel to their next destination. Church staff and volunteers report that it is challenging to provide these critical, immediate services, as migrants often arrive unexpectedly or do not arrive as scheduled. Despite this, they have the full support of their congregation and the El Paso Baptist Association.

Getting the opportunity to observe firsthand the impact immigration policy has on these stakeholders reaffirms the importance of the Forum’s work. We are so grateful to our partners and friends at Abara Frontiers for facilitating our experience.

One big takeaway from our team: Our nation can and should create better immigration policies that promote orderly, compassionate and fair immigration pathways in contrast to our current chaotic system that benefits cartels and human traffickers more than anyone else.

Each of us has a role to play in advancing better immigration policies that keep us safe and also a welcoming destination for those seeking refuge.

Stay healthy and hopeful,

Adam

P.S. To learn more about our trip to the border, join us for a Zoom conversation on Friday, October 15 at 2pm ET!

Adam Estle
Vice President of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum 

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

ASSOCIATED PRESS: US says record-low refugee admissions partly due to pandemic

USA TODAY: 'We're ready': After issues in Del Rio, Mayorkas says DHS is prepared for additional groups of Haitian migrants

CHRISTIANITY TODAY: Church, Rise Up: Time to Welcome 50K Afghan Refugees

FORBES: Fauci Says Immigrants Are ‘Absolutely Not’ Driving Covid-19 Surge: ‘Let’s Face Reality Here’