Anna Lisa Gross, Bethany Seminary student and local church office manager, travels to Tucson, Arizona on Tuesday May 27, as part of a delegation sponsored by Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT).

With an economy dependent on cheap, migrant labor, the U.S. (including Richmond) is in a complicated position as it deals with immigration issues. In the wake of the U.S. Congress' inaction on comprehensive immigration reform, millions of immigrants contend with a broken system that takes advantage of their contribution to the economy, yet promotes the criminalization of immigration offenses.

Meanwhile, mothers and fathers desperate to provide for their families continue to make the risky trek into the U.S. from Mexico. U.S. Border policies in recent years have forced migrants into increasingly dangerous and remote areas, causing more than 200 deaths annually in the Arizona desert. In response, Christian Peacemaker Teams has had a seasonal presence along the border since 2004.  continue reading »