Border Angels Presentation

Tonight I attended the speech by human rights activist, Enrique Morones. He spoke about his organization, “Border Angels”, a group very similar to “No More Deaths.” “Border Angels” is a non-profit human rights organizations, founded in 1986 by Enrique Morones. The organization consists of volunteers who help individuals trying to cross the United States/Mexico border. They give water to the individuals, who attempt to cross the borders in horrifically hot temperature conditions as high as 127 degrees. Winter clothing, food, and water are placed in winter storage bins to help decrease negative health results from being exposed to freezing temperatures during the winter months.
The members of “Border Angels” also spend time trying to raise public awareness about the hardships that could so easily be prevented, as well as trying to break many false stereotypes about the Mexicans trying to cross the borders. Some myths include that Mexican immigrants don’t want to learn English, don’t pay taxes and that they are a drain on the United States economy. In reality, 91% of second-generation immigrants are fluent or near fluent speakers, undocumented immigrants do pay taxes, and the average immigrant pays a net 80,000 dollars more in taxes than they collect in government services.
“Border Angels” are always looking for volunteers and donations, and this program is definitely relevant to everything we’ve learned thus far. If you’re interested in helping out or donating, contact Enrique Morones at www.borderangels.org. It’s definitely a great cause.