OSP-IHM Border Ministry Empowers Immigrant Women

As we all know, since January 20, 2025, the situation at the US-Mexico Border has changed drastically. New needs have arisen as circumstances for immigrants in the US have altered. With the current government’s campaign for mass deportation of immigrants in effect, many immigrants, not only those newly arrived but also those who have lived in the US for many years, are feeling fear and anxiety about their future.

Families living in the “colonias” in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas are among those who are being targeted for deportation. “Colonias” are unincorporated, low-income communities that lack basic infrastructure and services, including adequate water and sewer systems, paved roads, and safe and sanitary housing. Families that already face financial difficulties are now fearful about leaving their homes to work, sending their children to school, and going to church services. Women in the “colonias” are experiencing increased anxiety and depression and are feeling powerless to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

The Sisters of IHM Ministry Grant Fund (Monroe, MI) awarded $5,000 to Mary, Comfort of Migrants (the name of our OSP-IHM Collaborative Border Community) to address the current needs of immigrant women and their families. The project is twofold: to empower women living in rural, isolated “colonias” of western Hidalgo County and to raise awareness of their struggles and support for their dream of making a better life for their children and families. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who founded Proyecto Desarrollo Humano (PDH) in 2004 to help answer the unmet needs of the people living in the “colonias.”

Before January 20, women from the “colonias” were able to make a little money for their families by engaging in PDH projects. Many of those projects, including the sewing program, have been affected by the government’s attack on immigration and threat of deportation. PDH has a large sewing room that is now empty where previously women gathered to sew together and spend time talking and supporting one another. Fortunately, many women have sewing machines in their homes as a result of a previous grant.

The proposed project engages women in making environmentally friendly bags with the OSP-IHM Border Ministry logo. The funds from the grant supply the materials needed to make the bags, pay the women for their work and give PDH a small stipend that can be invested in other programs that benefit families.

The bags have been completed, and the women are so proud of their work! Within the next few weeks, we will be sending the bags to the retirement communities of the three IHM congregations and the Oblate Sisters of Providence with an explanation of the project. It is our hope that the sisters who receive the bags will have a better understanding of how immigrants are being affected by governmental policies and will be able to support those who are being marginalized with their prayer.