The border wall near Tijuana—embellished.
The San Diego League’s Immigration and Deportation Committee invited other members of our recently formed California Inter-League Group for Immigration Issues and Advocacy to join them on a visit across the border to Tijuana. The tour was organized by Via International, a cross-border nonprofit group that promotes sustainable development in Baja California and elsewhere in Mexico and has worked closely with LWVSD.
Two things emerged from this amazing experience: the sheer magnitude of the immigration problem, exemplified by the huge encampment, at the entrance to Tijuana, of asylum seekers awaiting permission to enter the United States; and the encouraging number and of dedicated Mexican and American nonprofit groups, both faith-based and secular, that are doing what they can to support these people.
Shelters and Asylum Seekers
We visited the Border Line Crisis Center and the Juventud 2000 Shelter, two of many shelters established to provide a safe, healthy environment for mothers and children, who constitute the great majority of people seeking asylum from dangerous conditions in their home countries in Central America. We saw another shelter dedicated to providing a haven for LBGTQ families, who feel threatened even in Tijuana. Compared to the size of the Tijuana encampment, these shelters can help only a small number of people. We also learned that the municipality of Tijuana is trying to assist with sanitation facilities, food, and security at the camps.
We were privileged to hear the personal stories of individuals who had courageously escaped from terror and oppression. This was an emotional experience for all of us. It was clear that the primary motivation for emigrating has been fear, and most people believed they would be safe only in the United States.
While They Wait . . .
Modern Tijuana itself appears to be bustling with business and commerce, with construction sites everywhere. Some of the migrants have found jobs locally while waiting for their visas. Via International encourages people to start small enterprises, providing micro-loans and training. We met one family with a thriving catering business. Some organizations argue that emigrants should put down roots and create productive lives in Mexico, but the fear of drug gangs and corrupt police deters many.
Our final stop was at the beach, where the looming, ever-present border wall ends literally in the ocean. Gardens at the base of the wall and colorful murals on the slats have created Friendship Park. Larger-than-life portraits of deported U.S. veterans and other deportees adorn the end of the wall, with QR codes linking to each individual’s personal story. Church services are held on both sides of the wall: People can hear each other’s hymns but cannot touch. Seeing this was a stark reminder of the physical barrier between loving people in both countries.
Everyone we met is closely following pending legislation and administrative changes that could finally lead to a humane and comprehensive immigration policy in the United States, and they urged the League to advocate on their behalf.
—Katherine Gavzy, Immigration Committee
