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U.S.-Mexico border militarization

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The U.S.-Mexico border stands to become one of the world’s most militarized borders, even though the two countries are not at war. Massive increases in appropriations for border security have served only to decrease real security in the U.S., disrupting the quality of life and economies of border communities and eroding human rights in the region. Since the 1993 establishment of border control policies, at least 7,000 immigrants have lost their lives crossing the border.

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Background on border militarization-

Q&A: Borders, not war zones

Pedro Rios, director of AFSC’s San Diego program, explains how the militarization of borders is ineffective, costly, and dangerous.

Recap: Boots on the border

Controlling the U.S./Mexico border has become increasingly like waging a war. Hear from AFSC staff from across the country about why border militarization is a problem and what we can do to stop it.

A death at the border mutes Father’s Day

Anastasio Hernandez Rojas was beaten to death by Border Patrol Agents in 2010. Since then, organizations such as the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and the community in general have accompanied the Hernnadez Rojas family in their call for justice.

Demilitarize the U.S.-Mexico border

The consequences of border militarization are explained in this short video.

What border enforcement expansions would mean for private detention centers

From the immigration legislation in Congress currently to existing programs like Operation Streamline, private prison companies are pursuing the expansion of immigrant detention. Learn more about the dangers of these policies and what AFSC is doing to chart a new path.

Policy recommendations-

A New Path (full version)

Our immigration system needs repair. But what will it take to make it work? the American Friends Service committee offers seven principles for a fair and humane immigration system.

H.R. 15: the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act

The Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act would require the Department of Homeland Security to establish and maintain “operational control” over the southern border and impose border triggers which must be met before anyone can adjust their immigration status.

Testimony on border security

On April 19th, AFSC offered this testimony for the Congressional Record on the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013.

Related Issues-

Immigrant rights

U.S. immigration policy should protect human rights—for everyone. AFSC directly supports immigrant and refugee communities across the U.S. while advocating in Washington, D.C., for humane policy reform.

Federal budget priorities

Military spending accounts for 57 percent of the U.S. discretionary federal budget. A culture of militarism, U.S.-led military interventions across the globe, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have had untold human and financial costs, depleting U.S. resources for human needs.

Who we are

AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. Learn more

Where we work

AFSC has offices around the world. To see a complete list see the Where We Work page.

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