Promotoras role in community mobilization and awareness of immigration and human rights for farmworkers and their families at the US-Mexico border

Campesinos Sin Fronteras, a grassroots promotora program, collaborated with the Coalición de Derechos Humanos, a grassroots human rights network, and the University of Arizona College of Public Health in a comprehensive health survey of farmworkers in three communities at the US-México border to better understand the health and social impacts on immigrants living in an increasingly militarized region. Analysis of the survey data especially examines relationships between the characteristics of border residence and health status, the experience of stress and depression, and access to health services. Data suggests that farmworker communities at the border do not perceive clear mechanisms to seek resolution in cases of abuses by law enforcement. This presentation will describe the findings of the survey and discuss the phase of the project following the survey: the development of educational materials and Know Your Rights presentations and consejos comunitarios (community consultations) in an effort to create a space for dialogue about issues of human rights and community responses to abuse. A discussion will also be included regarding the hostile and xenophobic atmosphere faced by immigrants living in Arizona. The increase in anti-immigrant laws and policies has created specific problems for immigrants and community advocates alike, and a collaborative effort must be sought to seek community solutions. The purpose of this workshop is to talk about ways in which immigrants, community health worker organizations, non-profit organizations, and health and human service providers can respond in an effort to create awareness, education and action towards desperately needed public policy changes.