ARISE, an organization dedicated to personal development and leadership for low income, immigrant women, offers a unique summer program to students. Each week, The LowerRio GrandeValleyBorder Witness Program gives a different group of students an opportunity to visit the border, study immigration and environmental issues, and sponsor activities for children living in the campos. They also visit detention centers and refugee shelters.

Since La Posada is the only shelter for asylees and asylum seekers in the legal process in the Valley, we are frequently asked to host an ARISE group. We give presentations on La Posada’s history, mission, and ministry, introduce our clients, and engage in informal conversations with the students.

This past Wednesday, 21 students and three chaperones from Heidelberg University in Toledo,Ohio, visited La Posada (above photo). The students were impressed by what they saw and touched by the personal stories of oppression and sacrifice from our clients. It is our hope that through direct and personal contact with our clients, visitors will have a positive experience and a better understanding of immigration issues.