Exploring the Immigrant Struggle at the US/Mexico Border and the Christian Response

This October, a group of TG students and faculty embarked on a transformative service & immersion trip to the US/Mexico border as part of the El Otro Lado program through a Lasallian partner, San Miguel High School. The trip focused on learning about the immigrant struggle and how Catholics are responding to this critical humanitarian issue.

Throughout the week, the group visited several organizations working on the frontlines, providing aid, advocacy, and education to those affected by the immigration crisis. We worked with Humane Borders, a group that provides water in the desert for safe passage for migrants. We listened to stories from faith-based agencies that offer legal assistance for asylum seekers. We were hosted by a Franciscan community that works with the Tohono O’odham tribe to specifically address how the immigrant experience intersects with Native communities at the border. Our students witnessed the incredible efforts of both Catholic and interfaith groups working for a more peaceful experience both at the border and in the origin communities for migrants. While the ongoing immigration crisis is not a new challenge or a simple one, it was an important week for our young people to witness how people of faith are working to respond with Gospel love. 

One of the most impactful moments of the trip was after several days of learning and serving in these communities at the most vulnerable stages of the immigration process, our students had the opportunity to meet and connect with other Lasallian students at San Miguel High School. San Miguel is part of the Cristo Rey school network, where all students have job partnerships as part of their high school experience. Connecting TG students with the amazing young men and women of San Miguel working hard through their internships, passionately pursuing their Catholic education, and striving to be first-generation college students changes your understanding of the immigrant story. These interactions gave us names, faces, stories, and connections to help us better encounter this story and sparked meaningful conversations within our group.