In Nogales, Ariz., and across the border, the Kino Border Initiative zooms in on what it means to serve refugee populations out of a faith imperative.

“We think that approaching he realities of migration from a faith perspective is essential for two reasons,” Joanna Williams, the Director of Education and Advocacy at Kino Border Initiative, told Sojourners. “First, because thanks to our faith we can recognize that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore have certain dignity and we must respect their rights.

“Second,” she continued, “Jesus reminds us that when we welcome strangers we are welcoming him. So when we receive migrants, we ought to not only respond to their suffering but also we have the opportunity to grow through contact with Jesus. These realities allow us to accompany migrants more profoundly.”

The Kino Border Initiative has brought together six Catholic organizations “to work with one foot on each side of the Mexico border” in Nogales, Ariz., and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. The initiative provides humanitarian aid, largely on the Mexico side, legal counseling, and education and advocacy.