The tour will be led and narrated by Robert Vivar, co-founder and CEO of the Unified U.S. Deported Veterans; Immigration and Border Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese; and Via International's BiNational Coordinator.
At 8am, participants will walk across the border to meet the Via International bus. The tour will use this bus all day and make the following stops:
• The office of the Unified U.S. Deported Veterans where participants can meet and talk with people who have been deported,
• The office of the Protectors of Emigrants on the border where people who are deported register with the Mexican government and are advised about where they can find shelter,
• Don Bosco Migrant Shelter,
• Lunch prepared by women trained in nutrition by Via Migrante,
• Presentation by Via International's Community Partner and MicroCredit group,
• Comunidad de Luz/Episcopal Diocese Migrant Shelter,
• Friendship Park next to the ocean and the border wall to learn about the Friendship garden and Border Church.
After disembarking the Via International bus at the Tijuana side of the border, participants can choose whether to ride the cross-border shuttle for $10 (cash only) or to walk across the border (Global Entry and SENTRI members can utilize the Ready Lane for expedited pedestrian processing).
Tour capacity is 23 people. Registration fees cover all expenses except the optional bus back to Customs and Border Patrol, which is $10 (cash only). There will be some walking and standing in line as we cross both ways. Participants must have a U.S. passport valid through November 2025. Suggestions for parking at the border will be shared with participants.
Admission/Cost: $122
Location:
San Ysidro Port of Entry
720 E. San Ysidro Blvd
San Diego, CA
Saturday, May 17 - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
