Leslie worked in a unique role on the US/Mexico border in response to the border crisis shortly before Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy took effect. While she is normally involved directly in programming, at the border she took on an administrative role, helping to support the teams that were working with missions on both sides of the border. Her role was to take care of the travel, lodging, and food for the teams, as well as to help collect supplies at stores to pack hygiene kits and other needed items by missions partners.
Many of the partners on the Mexican side of the border were churches that simply started to help those they saw in need at the border. Many of the people waiting at the border had already arrived at US Customs and had declared they were seeking asylum. Under US and international law, anyone who claims to seek asylum must have their case heard in front of a judge to determine if there is a credible reason for them to seek asylum. In the US, it can take three to four months to get this hearing. In the meantime, people and families wait in Mexico at hostel-style accommodations operated mainly by local churches. Having been overwhelmed by the influx of asylum-seekers, they were desperate for help to increase their capacity. Leslie and the team of relief workers supported these churches with additional kitchen supplies to meet increased meal needs, cash to contract laborers to expand buildings, and large batches of food supplies to keep the kitchens running.
After waiting for several months, if a person or family is found to have a credible story for asylum, they are granted temporary entry into the US while waiting a more in-depth consideration on the validity of their case. Because the US courts are very backlogged, this process can take two to three years. Some of these asylum seekers are granted the right to work, but others are not.
Ready to receive them are the agencies on the US side of the border. People arrive by bus to one of the accommodation centers, where they may receive hygiene kits, some clothing, showers, food, and most importantly, information on how to navigate the complex transportation system in the US. Many agencies also help supply bus or plane tickets for people to get to family members waiting for them all across the country. They typically do not stay long in these accommodation centers—maybe two or three days—but it’s a big relief as they have traveled far and waited anxiously for news of their acceptance into the US.
Leslie saw firsthand the needs of those who had traveled far and wide to come to the US. They came exhausted. They came relieved. The small gestures of the churches, agencies, and relief team were significant to those on both side of the border. A small hygiene kit of soap, shampoo, a razor, and a toothbrush brings back dignity to someone who hasn’t been able to take care of themselves for weeks. A hot meal becomes a luxury. And someone has to help arrange for these things to happen—which is what Leslie did.
Fulcrum Missions 