Immigration and the US/Mexico Border

This program examines the ‘ground-reality’ of immigration within the United States, providing opportunities for students to seek out the truths that exist outside of our urban bubbles. We will aim to recognize how the strands of the American story are woven by a variety of people within and beyond their borders.

Learning Objectives

Have a deeper understanding of the fragile myth of the ‘American Dream’ and begin to consider the students own role in its perpetuation.

Open the students minds, hearts and eyes to the world around them by experiencing the reality of those closely affected by migration.

Able to articulate with well-structured arguments as well as the students own perspective on migration and immigration in the United States.

Lenses of Inquiry

Geography: The Survival of the Fittest

What role has geography played in the current border conflict?

Conflict

What is the US Immigration Law? How does it seek to protect the rights of both immigrants and US citizens?

‘The American Dream’: Building Empathy

What motivates the immigrant population to seek asylum in the US?

Places and Activities

This program is flexible, and can be offered in 3, 5, or 7 day itineraries.

Day 1-2: The Issues

Our first days in Tucson will serve as an introduction to understanding the main challenges of immigration in a border state. We will become familiar with this ‘new face’ of the United States.

Day 3-4: Their Stories

We will visit a variety of organizations working to provide services and advocate for the Latino immigrant population. Hearing their stories, and understanding their struggle, will help build our empathy.

Day 5-6: The Desert

A visit to the Sonoran Desert will bring us closer to the realities faced by people crossing the US-Mexico border every day. Projects like “Where Dreams Die“, “No More Deaths“ and “Missing Migrant Project“ will help us rebuild our personal concept of the immigration issues in the US.

Day 7: The Border

Our program ends with a visit to the Nogales Border, where we’ll engage in a frank and respectful dialogue with immigration agents. The experience will provide key input for our discussions back home.

Let’s work together

“The Envoys staff were very open about sharing their first-hand experiences, which was a game-changer in terms of learning about post-apartheid South Africa. Also, having everything planned to the T made me feel very safe. I knew that I was in good hands.”

— Gio H. , Student, Friends Seminary South Africa 2016

“I could not have been more satisfied with the performance of Envoys throughout the entire process of planning and executing this trip. All Envoys staff demonstrated the utmost professionalism and dedication, as well as knowledge and competence. I am so glad that [we] chose to partner with Envoys!”

— Rick S. , Traveling Faculty, Hingham Japan 2015

“Envoys was at the top of their game from start to finish. What initially interested me was their focus on curriculum during pre-departure meetings and the program itself. Envoys cares deeply about the experience of the participants and faculty. [They] constantly ask for constructive criticism and make changes when necessary.”

— Joe Vogel , Executive Director, Global Education Benchmark Group