ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how civil society has responded to the arrival of political asylum seekers from Central America to the US–Mexico border. Activists from the border region as well as from other parts of the country, participated in Acompanamiento Internacional, and provided assistance to facilitate the transfer of asylum seekers from US government detention to shelters and subsequently to reunite them with their families residing throughout the US. Moyer contends that activists can play four roles in society: Citizen, rebel, social change agent and reformer. Activists can assist in small ways and help one person or can bring about policy change and help large groups of people. This chapter will highlight the various contributions that individuals and organizations have made in order to assist refugees on the US–Mexico border region. This chapter focuses on the activism of religious organizations such as Annunciation House and Casa del Migrante, Border Network for Human Rights and other individuals from all walks of life from the border region and other places who provided humanitarian assistance and in many ways are creating a movement of resistance to US government policies.
