Last week, I had the refreshing opportunity to meet with professors and students from Texas State University, UT-RGV, and George Washington University who have funding from the National Science Foundation to study “the geography of migration and (in)security at the US-Mexico border.” This group of students and professors visited the Valley as part of an experiential learning trip for their class. Their educational trip included visiting and talking to various organizations involved with asylum seekers within the border communities. They visited with Border Patrol, unaccompanied children shelters, NGO’s, and immigration attorneys, among others. In the past, they have also visited Matamoros, spoken to asylum seekers in Mexico, and written academic articles on their findings.
Engaging with the various organizations within the border communities and asylum seekers to better understand the impact of restrictive immigration policies is how we can become better equipped to advocate for change. To further advocate for change in policies, data and research is highly valuable, as such, having allied professors and students involved in these spaces is crucial. To provide value to Courts and Ports participants and asylum seekers, I hope to continue fostering networks with professors, students, and other organizations involved in this work.
It was a great experience to learn about their professor’s past and ongoing migration research, the current border situation, and inform them of the Courts and Ports program, which oddly enough, kind of mirrors their own experiential learning trip. This was a great reminder for me about the importance of our Courts and Ports program. Whether it’s students, professors, faith leaders, or laypeople who participate with Courts & Ports there is much knowledge that participants will walk away with. Ultimately, participating with Courts and Ports is an opportunity for all to witness, learn, discern, and advocate for immigration policies that restore asylum and human rights.