CLOSING NOTES...

I am grateful to this curious, reflective, and kind group of travelers to the border: Pastor Anna Helgen, Tom and Julie Cahoy, Pam and Bob Larson, and Debbie Roberts. Few of us knew each other before we started preparing for the trip, but we have bonded now. It was a significant and substantive week! In addition, our connection with Lutheran Iglesia Cristo Rey was strengthened. If you would like to contribute to support the church, their refugee ministry, or sponsor a student in their summer camp program, checks can be made out and mailed to: 

Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey        Attn: Pastora Rose Mary Guzman-Sanchez

1010 Yandell Drive

El Paso, TX 79902 

A notable takeaway for me was what Bob mentioned in his blog post. We independently asked a number of people--Border Patrol agents, a federal judge, a public defender, the director of a large refugee shelter, and the founder of the El Paso refugee shelter network--what change in U.S. immigration policy would make a significant difference. Each one responded that creating a worker visa program would be key. Refugees want to work and the U.S. needs workers. I will be writing to my legislators about that and I invite others to do the same.

We don't yet know whether there will be another trip the first week of February 2025, but if you are interested in learning more you can email me at madsoncr@gmail.com. 

Camilla Madson

Photo by Lita Anderson

 

 

 


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