Education-Empowered Solutions to the Legal Needs of the Migrant Community at the Border
The U.S.-Mexico border program is an initiative carried out in alliance with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) that forges alliances with higher education institutions and provides coordination and capacity building on migration to authoritative bodies and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, the program provides legal advice and representation to people in the context of mobility with the goal of ensuring the protection of their rights and safe migration in the U.S.-Mexico border area.
Since 2021, the program has been further solidified through DIME’s partnership with the International Office for Migration (IOM) to strengthen the capacities of migrant shelters in the border region and create safe and adequate spaces for the target population.
Due to political unrest and corruption, socioeconomic instability, poverty, extortion, gang violence, and gender-based violence, thousands of people are forced to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere each year. As a result, the number of migrants and asylum seekers has surged in the last five years.
Mexico alone is home to more than 46,000 refugees and asylum seekers from North and Central America, who are increasingly being joined by refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Haiti in light of global civil and political unrest. While some of them wish to remain in Mexico, many come to the U.S.-Mexico border to seek protection in the United States.
Nearly 60% of refugees report having been subjected to abuses during their journey north from their home countries. On these routes, border cities are among the most dangerous places. The multiple risks faced by refugees waiting for entry at the borders necessitate measures that urgently and adequately address the needs of this population. As set out in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, border security and management processes must promote and facilitate lawful, safe, and secure travel within the region through regional solutions and shared responsibility.
At the same time, at DIME we believe that a humanitarian response that engages the higher education system is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen civil society, future young leaders, and the capacity of social service agencies operating in the region.
To date, the U.S.-Mexico Border Program has reached over 1,500 people.
Protects the rights of migrants and refugees at the U.S.-Mexico border through legal counseling
