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Chaplaincy | Kino Border Initiative | Program Partnerships | International JRS-USA Programs

Kino Border Initiative

Over the past five years, the US Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) has identified comprehensive immigration reform as a major public policy priority within the Church. In 2003, the US Catholic Bishops collaborated with the Mexican Bishops to promulgate the joint pastoral letter on migration, Strangers No Longer:  Together on a Journey of Hope.  In 2005, the USCCB was joined by the U.S. Jesuit Conference and many other religious congregations and organizations to sponsor and promote “Justice for Immigrants,” a national campaign to raise awareness about Church teaching on human rights, migration and immigration reform, and to advocate at the local and national levels for comprehensive immigration reform.

The Society of Jesus seeks to respond to the call of Christ who is present among those who are suffering from the consequences of contemporary immigration policy, border enforcement efforts, and the reality of undocumented migration, apprehension, detention and deportation.  The social and economic forces that are driving these crises are bi-national forces, and any genuine attempt to be present to these crises must be bi-national in its approach.   Moreover, the Society of Jesus wishes to be a genuine help to those committed men, women, parishes, and organizations that are already engaged in service to people and communities affected by the consequences of these forces. Ultimately, the Jesuits strive to be “in solidarity with the least and with all.” 

Through the establishment of an innovative effort, called the Kino Border Initiative (KBI), JRS/USA along with other partners seeks to serve the Church by providing opportunities for pastoral formation, faith-based social analysis, and advocacy for the protection of human rights and the common good. By making a concrete and visible commitment to the Kino Border Initiative, the Society of Jesus is making a public and prophetic commitment to stand in solidarity with the migrant poor.  While the Jesuits have much to offer in terms of resources, spirituality, and educational experience, we also have much to learn and receive from the reality of communities living on both sides of the Mexican border. 

The success of the KBI depends on a vibrant and collaborative partnership among several organizations, including:  the Diocese of Tucson, the Archdiocese of Hermosillo, the California Province of the Society of Jesus, the Mexico Province of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, and the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist. 

JRS/USA’s major contribution to the KBI will involve exploring opportunities to assist the Aid Center for Deported Migrants (CAMDEP). CAMDEP’s mission is to care for the most pressing humanitarian needs facing deportees. CAMDEP is an effort led by the local migration apostolate in Nogales, Mexico, in partnership with committed local parishioners and the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist.

In partnership with the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist, JRS/USA will also address the emergency shelter needs of deported women in crises. This effort will complement CAMDEP’s care for the most vulnerable of all deportees, unaccompanied migrant women. The KBI will also support on-going efforts of Nogales  diocesan clergy to organize groups of parishioners to assume responsibilities for staffing both CAMPDEP and the small shelter for migrant women who are particularly vulnerable and liable to be exploited.