Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Tucson’s Largest Migrant Shelter Forced To Close
February 06, 2025
On January 26, 2025, two migrant shelters for legally processed asylum seekers were forced to close in Pima County, Arizona, following sweeping changes to federal border enforcement policies implemented by the Trump Administration. One of these shelters is Casa Alitas, Tucson’s largest migrant shelter, and where Sister Eileen Mahoney, CSA had been working for over five years.
Sister Eileen reports, “No more migrants have been permitted to cross the border. Approximately 500,000 asylum seekers whom our diocesan program served are in the US now hoping to complete their asylum process. Many are still in Mexico. A special group who have been waiting in Mexico for up to one year for their CBP One mobile app (Customs and Border Patrol app) are now stranded. Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One™ that previously allowed undocumented aliens to submit advance information and schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry is no longer available, and existing appointments have been cancelled.
Pima County had secured over $117 million in federal funding to support temporary sheltering programs. Read more here. Without government reimbursements, the county would be responsible for funding operations. Sister Eileen and others have made this work their ministry. Their resilience and faith are finding new ways to support the inherent worth and dignity of those legally seeking safety and shelter. Some, like Sister Eileen, are looking at ways to assist migrants on the Mexican side of the border with groups like the Kino Border Initiative.
Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona is reassuring the public that the organization’s broader efforts would continue, with Elena Dwyre, CEO of Catholic Community Services, saying “through our wide range of programs—including housing support, behavioral health services, care for families and seniors, and assistance for those experiencing homelessness—we will continue to meet the pressing needs of our community.”
The USCCB also issued a statement in response to actions taken by the Trump Administration where they say, “Human dignity is not dependent on a person’s citizenship or immigration status.”
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Trafficking & Migration