Our work with immigrants along the Arizona/Mexico border is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today.

"I became a founding member of the Asylum Program of Southern Arizona (APSA) in 1999 in Tucson," explains Sister Pat Tunnicliff, who has served in Venezuela, Jordan, and Pakistan. APSA is a non-profit legal aid organization that provides legal assistance for immigrants fleeing persecution, and seeking political asylum. Sister Pat also serves on the APSA Board, which is an interfaith group of Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

"The Arizona/Mexico border is a crossing point for protection seekers from around the world who flee political persecution," explains Sister Pat. "Currently, our clients come from Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Latin America. We are handling the applications of many individuals coming from 25 countries." APSA serves clients who do not have the resources to hire attorneys to represent them before the Immigrations and Naturalization Service and the immigrant court.

Sister Pat says, "Some of my work, besides attending meetings, consists in helping with mailings, fundraisers, and any odd jobs when clients come for interviews. Some come from Phoenix with their children, who need care while the parents have their mock interviews and/or physical and psychological testing."

A member of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul both at the parish and county levels, Sister Pat is also involved with adult education. "I do try to keep up with reading too, especially on social justice issues," she shares. "I have just read again, 'Peacemaking is not optional. It is a requirement of our faith.' That is a good motto for us all."

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