As of this writing in mid-July, a historic heat wave is reaching maximum intensity across the Southwest region of the U.S. Millions are sweltering in the extreme temperatures — and sadly, some are dying from it. Asylum seekers entering the U.S. between ports of entry in the Southwest are among those suffering the most as they attempt what the International Organization for Migration has called “the deadliest land crossing in the world.”
Because they seldom have adequate equipment and supplies, asylum seekers crossing the inhospitable lands along the U.S.-Mexico border are particularly vulnerable to the heat’s life-threatening effects. At least 100 people attempting the crossing — including at least one child — have died from heat so far this year.
RPCVs who want to respond to this humanitarian crisis can volunteer or donate through several non-profit organizations, including—
Humane Borders [https://humaneborders.org/volunteer-opportunities], which maintains a system of water stations in the Arizona Sonoran Desert on routes used by people making the perilous journey northward. The water stations consist of 55-gallon plastic barrels fitted with spigots. Volunteers place these drums on stands to keep them off the desert floor, and they inspect and replenish the water whenever necessary. The water stations are marked with blue flags mounted on 30-foot poles to make them visible to people passing in the vicinity.
Volunteers with the South Texas Human Rights Center [https://southtexashumanrights.org] build and maintain water stations in the desert area north of McAllen, Texas. They also help operate a Missing Migrant Hotline [https://southtexashumanrights.org/search-and-rescue] and advocate with local authorities to send out search and rescue teams to find those who have become lost or been overcome by the heat.