The concept of sanctuary has special meaning on the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition to being a place of great biodiversity, the region has been home to Indigenous peoples since before the border existed. More recently, settlers, migrants, and refugees have come here from all over the world in search of a better life.

Border people are known for creating a unique, multicultural community that has historically been welcoming to outsiders. During the 1980s, people in Tucson founded the Sanctuary Movement to aid refugees fleeing political violence in Central America; Some of these sanctuary workers received criminal convictions for their efforts. Today, as record numbers of migrants and refugees continue to arrive, the practice of sanctuary is facing unprecedented challenges.

To celebrate the opening of the Special Collections exhibit, Sanctuary: Who Belongs Here? The Search for Homeland on the U.S.-Mexico Border, 1848 to Today, activists from the 1980’s movement will join scholars studying and participating in today’s refugee-aid efforts to address the past, present and future of sanctuary on the border.

Spanish interpretation available.

Please send accessibility requests to mtdwenger@arizona.edu.