About Humane Borders

Mission

Humane Borders, motivated by faith, was founded in June 2000 to create a humane and just border environment. Our 200 core members, more than 1,500 volunteers and 100 affiliated organizations including congregations, denominational groups, human rights groups, legal assistance organizations and businesses work together to provide humanitarian assistance to those risking their lives and safety crossing the border. Here are our priorities:

• Reduce the number of migrants dying in the desert
• Invite public discourse on migration issues
• Change U.S. policy to return migration safely through ports of entry
• Provide legal status to undocumented workers already in the U.S.
• Provide legal work opportunities in the U.S. for migrants
• Provide economic relief for U.S. agencies engaged in helping migrants

Leadership

• President: Felipe Lundin
• President Emeritus: Rev. Robin Hoover
• Vice President: Doug Ruopp
• Treasurer: Gary Wolfe
• Secretary: Pam Jensen
• External Relations: Rev. Randy Mayer
• Phoenix Coordinator: Rev. Liana Rowe
• Washington Representative: Dinah Bear
• Executive Director: Sue Goodman
• Education: Paula Mich
• Academic Relations: Dr. Kraig Beyerlein
• Faith Representative: Rev. Hal Cowart
• Research: Dr. John Chamblee
• Chaplain: Sr. Elizabeth Ohmann
• Administration: Adria Pearson
• Intern: Debora Kovach

Water Stations

Most of the deaths in border crossings come from dehydration, so in 2001 we established and continue to maintain a network of water stations in the region. More than 100 are now serviced by thousands of volunteers, and in 2008 we dispensed more than 25,000 gallons. Permits and agreements to place and maintain the water stations have been reached with a variety of government agencies including the U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Pima County, Ariz., the City of Tucson, Ariz., Grupos Beta in Sonora, Mexico, and private property owners along the border. Read more about our water stations, and download maps here.

Maps, Posters

Humane Borders volunteers have developed maps and warning posters, distributed in strategic locations in Mexico, to deter migrants from making their perilous journey. Our leaders have also testified before the U.S. Congress, collaborated with Mexican officials and given countless news media interviews in an effort to form a humane non-militarized border with legalized work opportunities for migrants in the U.S., and legitimate economic opportunities in the migrants’ countries of origin. We have detailed research and maps that show water stations save lives. Read moe about our maps and posters here. Find out more, and download the maps and posters here.

Collaborations

Our work would be impossible were it not for the informal and formal collaborations we openly seek with our supporting organizations, individual participants, public and private land managers, property owners, tribal leaders, and faith-based groups. Read more about collaborations here.

Bibliography

In this section you will find overviews and links to government reports, academic research, theology, books and journalism concerned with the history and development of U.S.-Mexico border issues, especially immigration; and the basis for a faith-based response to the injustices experienced by migrants and citizens of the border region. Read the bibliography here.