**Apostolic Nuncio Visits Salesian Breakfast Program, Highlights Commitment to Supporting the Poor**
On the morning of November 30, 2024, the Salesian Father Chava Breakfast Program in Tijuana welcomed a visit from Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Joseph Spiteri, an envoy of the Pope in Mexico. The visit aimed to raise awareness among the Catholic Church regarding the country’s ongoing migration issues.
According to Claudia Portela, administrator of the Salesian Project, the facility is dedicated to helping people in need, regardless of their faith. It serves as a beacon of hope for deportees and migrants, providing meals, medical services, and legal advice. “It’s crucial to highlight the efforts in Tijuana to support both deported people and those migrating. This location offers assistance ranging from food to legal advice, helping individuals move forward,” she emphasized.
The center, situated in Northern Tijuana, currently shelters 59 people of varied nationalities, including Mexicans, Venezuelans, and Moroccans. Meanwhile, the Salesian Don Bosco Refuge is home to 52 mothers and children who have journeyed from countries as distant as China, along with deported Mexicans.
“We are inspired by the gospel, which calls us to serve the poorest, implementing our beliefs through action,” Portela added. The visit by the Papal representative is seen as a blessing and a source of encouragement for the congregation to continue their work with renewed vigor, despite challenges.
The anticipated transition from Joe Biden to Donald Trump’s administration in the United States poses uncertainties. Trump’s campaign promises have stirred concerns about potential impacts on migrant dignity.
The current Tijuana administration has been slow in addressing migration concerns, though ongoing dialogues with José Luis Pérez Canchola, the Municipal Director of Migrant Affairs, are reportedly constructive. “We aim to engage with officials to share our challenges and resource needs,” Portela noted.
Every night at 10:00 p.m., new deportees arrive, highlighting an urgent call for preparation ahead of possible policy changes in 2025. “It’s a moving train that we hope gains momentum soon,” she remarked.
Monsignor Spiteri concluded his visit by providing blessings and engaging with the community served by the center, composed of both migrants and homeless individuals.
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**Secondary Article: Heightened Concerns Over Migration Policy Changes**
As the world awaits the shift in leadership from Joe Biden to Donald Trump in the United States, there are growing concerns among migrant communities and advocacy groups. Trump’s rhetoric during his election campaign raised alarms about stricter immigration policies, which could greatly impact the lives of migrants seeking refuge or a new start in the U.S.
Organizations and shelters across Mexico, particularly in border cities like Tijuana, are preparing for a possible increase in deportations and stricter immigration enforcement. Such measures would necessitate increased resources and preparedness to accommodate and support individuals and families suddenly finding themselves in Mexico.
Moreover, dialogues between migrant advocacy groups and governmental authorities have become more frequent, aiming to ensure a cooperative response to any policy shifts. The current administration’s engagement with local entities is seen as vital to forming a coordinated approach to assist deportees and migrants alike. Though much remains uncertain, the collective focus remains on kindness, readiness, and resilience in addressing the potential challenges ahead.