69. Before Trump: Asylum Seekers at the US-Mexico Border… w/Erin Hughes
Every year, countless asylum seekers and refugees risk everything, leaving their homes in search of safety at the US Mexico border. In this post, we explore their journey, the obstacles they face under current immigration policies, and how humanitarian engineering is stepping in to help.
Many know about the struggles of asylum seekers, but few understand the harsh refugee conditions in border camps. Erin Hughes, a licensed professional engineer and executive director of Solidarity Engineering, shares her firsthand account of working with displaced populations facing severe water sanitation hygiene challenges. Her story began after listening to a podcast by This American Life that highlighted the dire state of water sanitation hygiene in makeshift border camps.
At these camps, basic facilities are missing, and the lack of support from major international organizations forces smaller groups like Solidarity Engineering to fill the gap. Using environmental engineering and humanitarian engineering skills, Erin and her team work hard to improve refugee conditions and support immigrant rights.
A major hurdle for asylum seekers is the complicated asylum process. The CBP1 app, designed to simplify registration, often falls short due to technical issues and the need for a smartphone and reliable internet. This can delay appointments by weeks or even months, leaving individuals stranded under migrant protection protocols and uncertain conditions.
The role of sponsorship for refugees is equally crucial. Sponsors—be they family, friends, or dedicated volunteers—help newcomers navigate the asylum process and settle into their new lives. Without this support, many vulnerable people are forced to remain in limbo while waiting for their chance at safety.
Erin shares stories like that of her friend Deesan from Honduras to show how narrow definitions of who qualifies as a refugee can leave people fleeing gang violence or other life-threatening situations without proper protection. This issue, combined with a political climate that often frames the situation as a political issue rather than a humanitarian crisis, only deepens the challenges.
As debates over immigration policies continue, it’s vital to focus on the human impact. Efforts from grassroots groups and international organizations are key to addressing the humanitarian crisis at the border. If you care about immigrant rights and want to make a difference, learning more about humanitarian engineering and supporting groups like Solidarity Engineering can be a powerful first step.
Related episodes on Refugees and Asylum Seekers:
As Executive Director, Founder, and Licensed Professional Engineer, Erin leads the Solidarity team as they implement humanitarian engineering projects to address displaced populations in need. She has a background in Environmental Engineering and specializes in WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), site infrastructure, stormwater management.