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

“Many student groups participate in ‘Voluntourism’. This trip did not attempt that, but rather funneled the collective energy of each member into meaningful, mutually beneficial cultural interactions. Thank you so much for this unforgettable and transformational experience.”

— Altana , Student, Friends Seminary South Africa 2016

“[Envoys] knows kids extremely well…they know how to be cool with them while still commanding authority and establishing ground rules…I was incredibly impressed with the protocols established and put in place by Envoys.”

— Micah M. , Traveling Faculty, Friends Seminary Peru 2015

“Every single person working for Envoys is excellent and committed to the kids and their experience, not just during the trip, but before and after. We would recommend Envoys to anyone looking for a high quality and enriching summer experience.”

— Amy G. , Parent, Envoys Malawi 2014 & 2015