PHOENIX — The reopening of the Lukeville Port of Entry Thursday means the possibility of more asylum-seekers being processed into the country. Many will come through Phoenix.
“If a crisis happens, we’re a people of faith and we will handle it,” said pastor Angel Campos of Monte Vista Baptist Church, one of a few in the Valley that assists migrants.
During December, the church saw about a hundred people a day arriving in the U.S. and entering their doors. The church relies on donations and reimbursements from the government.
Meanwhile, Sky Harbor International Airport has Navigator volunteers available to assist migrants catching flights. The airport also coordinates with migrant support groups when refugees need added help.
An airport spokesperson told 12News Thursday they have no indication there will be a higher number of asylum seekers passing through the airport in the coming days.
The City of Phoenix has a new Office of Refugee & Immigrant Support. It coordinates with Valley groups to connect resources with immigrants, regardless of their status.
The office has invested $6.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to expand programs and partners with an emergency shelter for migrants released from federal custody, said Senior Public Information Officer Kristin Couturier.
Anyone interested in supporting nonprofits that help migrants and refugees in the Valley can contact the International Rescue Committee, Catholic Charities of Arizona, or Arizona Immigrant & Refugee Services.
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