Resource Center Matamoros

Matamoros, Tamaulipas, MX

Our social support to asylum seekers in Mexico includes case management and assistance for gaining access to the asylum process.

Ever changing immigration policy changes often sparks hope for persons that need to flee their countries. Many sacrifice their resources, their homes, and leave family behind due to extenuating circumstances with the goal of accessing the asylum process in the USA. Many are turned away. Only to find themselves homeless in a country not native to them.

ASNS has set up efforts to help them during this time. At Resource Center Matamoros, we provide the information and support they need to get to shelter, access legal help, get medical help, among other services.

At times, our work becomes a challenge when shelters in Matamoros are at full capacity and cannot receive any more persons.

That is why we continue to provide transitional housing, case management, and access to legal services to vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees as they arrive to the border, are waiting to access asylum processes, traveling from other parts of the border, or in need of immediate assistance etc.

Located in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, MX, blocks away from the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, TX, the Resource Center Matamoros houses vulnerable families and provides a safe space while they await their access to asylum in the United States.

The moment they arrive, they receive an orientation, assigned a sleeping quarters, and then given the time they need to rest from their often long and traumatic journeys. While there, they have access to a kitchen where they cook their own food, taken to local supermarkets for their necessities, and use of showers, Wi-Fi, and have direct contact with our center director for answers to any of their questions they may have.

They also undergo a case management interview where they can discuss and map out their plans for accessing asylum and specific needs. We often identify the need for medical and psychological services and connect them with our partners. Every family that arrives at our center receives a legal orientation from our legal network. Our service includes exploring their options for asylum and help them reach their goal.

We also assist unaccompanied minors to gain access to travel to the international bridge and begin their family reunification process, most often with mothers and fathers on the US side. We partner from humanitarian organizations that refer children and we facilitate their safe passage to the bridge and directly into the hands of bridge officials.