At the end of America’s southern border wall with Mexico, James Naughtie meets the people helping recently-arrived migrants survive in the extreme conditions. Beginning his day's journey at a church in Tucson, Arizona, James hears how members of the congregation support a programme helping migrants find work. And at the end of the border wall with Mexico, he meets recently-arrived migrants from around the world seeking asylum in the United States. He watches them being collected by Border Patrol for processing, and speaks to the humanitarian workers about what might happen to their claims for asylum.
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Every day, migrants seeking a better life in the United States travel across its southern border.
But what awaits them on the other side?
This is James Naughty, and you're listening to the documentary from the BBC World Service.
This is Heart and Soul exploring personal experiences of spirituality and faith in the recent American presidential campaign.
Immigration and what happens along the border was a centerpiece of Donald Trump's appeal.
He's promised to tighten border controls, reduce crossings, and deport potentially millions of people.
Well, in this program, we're putting aside the political rhetoric and talking instead to people on the front line.
During that election campaign, I traveled to Tucson in Arizona, very close to the border, and spent time there with people from the city who feel driven to protect migrants from harm.
We will walk with each other Sunday morning.
Sarah Roberts is in the congregation at Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson.
I was moved by my faith, you know, to get involved.
You know, Matthew 25 was one of the inspirational scriptures.
Matthew 25 has to do with Jesus saying, if you give water or food to the least of these, you're giving it to me.
And so carries that message forward.
But not everybody are people of faith.
Right?