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COURTS & PORTS

Courts & Ports is a 2-day immersion experience designed to build understanding of the many challenges facing migrants and public servants at the Texas-Mexico border. The project builds on work Texas Impact has been doing for years with faith communities across the state in building bridges between direct action and policy advocacy. Bearing witness to the current situation on the border helps equip people of faith from across Texas for potent advocacy for just immigration policies. Through interactions with policy experts; law enforcement officials; volunteers; and asylum seekers, participants gain perspective on the unique constellation of policy, logistical, and humanitarian issues in play.

CURRENT ACTIONS

      • To find out about registering a group for a Courts & Ports trip,
        email fabi@texasimpact.org

      • To schedule an informational presentation about Courts & Ports, email fabi@texasimpact.org 

      • Watch video testimonials at facebook.com/texasimpact 

EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

Participants in the “Courts and Ports” program will:

  • Observe first-hand the operation of the U.S. immigration system and current policies related to border security

  • Interact directly with individuals who are seeking asylum in the U.S.

  • Participate in theological and policy discussions with grassroots and faith leaders

  • Practice storytelling and communication with skilled trainers so they can share their experiences effectively with their home communities

  • Become part of a facilitated online “Courts and Ports Alumni” community that will work to change the nature of the immigration debate in local congregations and neighborhoods.

THE BASICS

  • The program is designed for groups of no more than eight, and no fewer than two.

 

  • Participants can all be from the same congregation, or Texas Impact can match up participants from multiple congregations up to a maximum of eight.

 

  • Program tuition covers hotel costs, two meals, and program costs. Tuition is $350 for those who share a hotel room with another member of their party, and $450 for those who choose single occupancy. Participants are responsible for their own travel costs.

 

  • Each trip will last two full days. Participants arrive the night before the first day. In some cases participants choose to depart the night of the second day, but most go home the following morning.

 

  • Courts & Ports is open to individuals 18 years of age and up only.

 

  • All participants must have a valid government-issued form of identification such as a driver’s license or passport. To participate in bridge crossings, participants should have a valid U.S. passport.

 

  • Participants sign a covenant agreement stating that they understand the program rules, and that they will bear witness in their home community to their experiences in the program.

TYPICAL SCHEDULE

Note: Schedules are designed to be as responsive as possible to the rapidly changing policy environment. Participants are expected to remain flexible in the face of opportunities or challenges outside Texas Impact’s control.

    Sunday

    6:30PM – Arrive and check in

    Monday

    7:00AM – Breakfast at hotel

    8:30AM – Briefing with Courts & Ports trip leader

    10:00AM – Bridge crossing, service and fellowship with migrants

    12:00PM – Lunch

    2:00PM – Volunteer shift

    4:00PM – Debrief

    5:00PM – Dinner

     

    Tuesday

    7:00AM – Breakfast at hotel

    8:00AM – Briefing with Courts & Ports trip leader

    9:00AM – Immigration court observation

    11:00AM – Grab and go lunch

    12:00PM – MPP court observation

    4:00PM – Debrief

    5:00PM – Worship

    6:00PM – Dinner

    NEWS + UPDATES

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