The border and immigration have become central issues in our currently very polarized political environment. However, few people have actually visited the border regions in earnest and dived into the complexity of the issues. 

This study tour will travel to both sides of the Mexico-US border to learn about the challenge associated with human migration in North America. We will examine firsthand the “push factors” and “pull factors” that motivate migrants to embark on a difficult journey to the US-Mexico border. We will tour the borderland region, closely examine current policies and their impact, meet grassroots activists, interact with ordinary folk, and have discussions on the politics of the Americas and conflict resolution best practices.. There will also be some time for recreational activities as part of this short program. 

No background on the subject is necessary and our professional guides from the Global Minds Institute will guide us during the four days of program and facilitate learning conversations and exercises with our group. The main themes we will explore, is the history of US-Mexico relations about the border area (borderlands), the complex dilemmas presented by human migration and the “push and pull” factors motivating human migration. There is a range of competing narratives and proposals for addressing these issues and it has become a political hot button issue during this election year. 

- Expedition with Water Stations to assist with water placement in desert migration routes 

- Map an immigration flow chart with UCSD Center for Comparative Immigration Studies 

- Meet with the population living on the border to hear their perspective

- Eat at a restaurant run by immigrants and hear their stories 

- Survey border area of San Ysidro

- Patrol the border barrier with Dept. of Homeland Security US Border Patrol and receive real-time briefings

- Meet with a US political representative

- Talk with local NGO assisting immigrants 

- Film and discussion: Sin Nombre 

- Cross into Mexico

- Drive near migrant tent encampments

- Tour the border from the Mexico side

- Visit a migrant shelter & asylum seekers family shelter 

- Visit new tourist areas close to the border catering to US visitors 

- Meet with Mexican officials to learn about the political perspective from the perspective

- Meet with local activists and learn about the changes and best practices in the borderlands