This three-day conference brought together about sixty activists from many human rights, immigrant rights, and workers’ rights groups in both the U.S. and Mexico. As we gathered together on the first chilly evening in the courtyard of the National Museum of Culture, participants from many sectors — nuns, students, migrant workers, teachers, and others — introduced themselves and the many places they came from. Participants included those working for migrants’ rights both in Mexico (where Central Americans and other migrants often face discrimination, deportation, etc.) and the U.S. (where much of the anti-immigrant sentiment is concentrated against Mexicans.) I realized this was indeed a moment to remember.

During the encuentro, we divided into three areas of discussion: migration, globalization, and militarization. We spent an entire day working in these small groups, trying to better understand how each of these areas impacts our work and communities.

I participated in the discussion on migration, and shared the experiences and situation for the Mexican immigrant community facing INS raids and abuses in rural Oregon. During the discussion, concerns were raised about the activity on both the U.S.-Mexico and Mexico-Guatemala borders, including the continued violation of human rights by immigration agents, police, and customs; the intimidation of migrants by smugglers; and the impact of immigration policies on many different communities, regardless of citizenship status. We also talked about the concept of “borders within borders,” and how many people —including indigenous peoples — are not even free to travel within their own countries, because of the impact of racism and classism.

On the last day of the conference, we came together to synthesize our discussions. We agreed to fight legislation, such as guestworker proposals, that would create a new era of indentured servitude and undermine farmworker rights. We committed ourselves to insisting that laws to protect human rights be upheld everywhere and ensure people’s right to move freely and safely. We agreed to hold governments at all levels accountable for ensuring that development does not violate the human rights of their people. We reflected that we need to not only criticize corporate globalization for its negative impact on working people and/or migrants, but we need to use global connections for positive outcomes, to “globalize solidarity.”

We also talked about changing how immigrants are perceived — not as “illegals,” but instead as “refugees of the global economy.” Immigrants also live through the trials of migration as “pilgrims of dignity,” not as victims. The conference concluded with a press conference in which representatives from both countries shared our conclusions. The Mexican press was much more receptive to our “bigger picture” ideas than the U.S. media, which often reduces everything down to the “problem” of “illegal immigration.”

I am grateful for time spent with our Mexican counterparts, for all that they taught me and their willingness to share of themselves. I am most grateful for the feeling of hope that I left with, knowing that there are so many people all over the world working to ensure that the rights of all people are upheld and protected. Si se puede!