In the United States in the 1980s, the simple act of providing refuge became a form of civil disobedience, writes Mark Engler.
In the United States in the 1980s, the simple act of providing refuge became a form of civil disobedience.
With Washington supporting death-squad governments in Guatemala and El Salvador, a flood of refugees moved north, creating a humanitarian crisis. Immigrants crossing the border into the US from Mexico were perishing in the desert. Yet the Reagan administration refused to grant asylum to those facing persecution from the regimes it had backed in Central America.
The New Internationalist is an independent bi-monthly not-for-profit magazine that reports on action for global justice. We believe in putting people before profit, in climate justice, tax justice, equality, social responsibility and human rights for all.
New Internationalist acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We acknowledge that these lands were stolen and sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
© Copyright New Internationalist 1973-2026. Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under Creative Commons.
Except where otherwise noted, images on this site are © the attributed photographer/illustrator or representative agency.