Borderlands: Stories from an El Paso Shelter

by Deb Hansen

What’s really happening at the U.S./Mexico border?

Borderlands is the story of the courageous people who risk everything for the safety and well-being of themselves and their families, and the people of El Paso who accompany them. While the media saturate the news with antagonism and images of violence, the volunteers at Annunciation House and other organizations provide hospitality and care for those who leave their homes behind at great personal cost. Rather than seeing the stranger as enemy, they meet their guests as relatable, complex human beings like themselves.

Deb Hansen is a descendant of European immigrants, an Interfaith chaplain, and a spiritual companion who travelled to El Paso to volunteer at Annunciation House. Borderlands takes us along on her journey, introducing us to the people she met and came to love.

Migration is both a natural and an unnatural phenomenon. Borderlands reveals why people leave their homes, culture, and language behind, as well as insight on how wealthy countries inflict harm and contribute to conditions that fuel migration by destabilizing economies, governments, and relationships.

Borderlands is heartbreaking, inspiring, and life-changing. Along the way, readers might even hear echoes of the stories and journeys of their own ancestors. Read Borderlands today and find out about the people rolling up their sleeves and actually doing something in the spirit of solidarity.

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2024

Reviews

[Irene Kazmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many talk the talk. Deb Hansen walks the walk of humanitarianism and environmental advocacy. In this beautifully, lyrically crafted book, she brings us right into the experience of her hands-on, on the ground activism. Despite the barrage of unspeakable stories and struggles, the common thread of the Golden Rule that she manages to cling to, uplifts and inspires throughout.
This book is a great read, informative, and highly recommended.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was engrossed in the book and loved the unintrusive way the author pondered aloud about things she observed, thus encouraging the reader to wonder along with her. She turned these stories into opportunities for reflection and inner change. I was so thankful to find my perspectives enlarging as I stepped into the shoes of those on the borderlands. This author and this book are proof that every story has many sides and it would do us good to listen to all of them.

[Steven E · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing journal elegantly written by one who was actually there, doing the work. An important read to help understand the real situation at our borders, the people giving aid, and the humanization of those passing through.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been thinking a lot about this book. I'm glad I read it, but I can't say I enjoyed it as such. It tells of so much heartbreak and so many terrible decisions by people in power. The happy moments are so touching but even these are tinged with suffering. I hope the book finds the audience it deserves.