Kino Border Initiative Inc

In January 2009, six organizations founded a bi-national migrant ministry to provide a comprehensive response to the lived reality of migration in Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.  We recognized the enormous humanitarian need of men, women and children who were being deported to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.  We also heard about the deep desire for more education on the issue of migration and about the importance of promoting migration policy changes that recognize and affirm the dignity of the human person, especially those who are most vulnerable.  Our mission is to promote migration policies that humanize the U.S./Mexico border and foster bi-national solidarity through humanitarian assistance, education and research/advocacy.  In 2012, we provided 58, 640 meals to migrants, sheltered 302 women and chiildren and offered first aid to 2,442 people.  We also hosted 33 groups and facilitated various educational presentations about the issue of migration.  In collaboration with the U.S. Jesuit Conference and Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, we just published a report recently that documents important information on family separation, abuses against migrants and violence as a motive for migration.  We look forward to research being done as well on the issue of "safe space" and how to strengthen it in our border region.