This immersion experience will invite students to enter into solidarity with the people, culture, history, and other realities that exist along the San Diego border and in Tijuana. Throughout the week, we will explore the causes and complications of migration, the impact of U.S. immigration policies, and — ultimately — how we as people of faith can respond to these pressing issues.
Applications will open during the Fall 2026 semester.
Why:
This experience will empower participants to:
- Learn more about the impact of injustice in our local communities.
- Encounter the people of God in our local communities in intentional and meaningful ways.
- Deepen our spirituality and faith through a commitment to justice.
- Begin looking at the world through a critical, justice-oriented lens.
- Understand that the work of service and justice is a lifelong commitment.
- Go forth from this experience to practice a faith that does justice.
Who:
This group will include two Student Coordinators, USD student participants, and a University Ministry staff member.
When:
March 20th - 26th, 2027. We’ll depart from the Ministry Center mid-morning on Saturday, March 20th, and return in the early afternoon of Friday, March 26th.
How:
During the week, we will:
- Actively and lovingly engage the four principles of the Romero Immersion Program: Human Dignity, Solidarity, the Common Good, and a Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. They are experienced through living simply, daily group and individual prayer and reflection, meaningful conversations about justice and social systems, living in community with our friends across the border, and an increased commitment to coming to a fuller understanding of our shared humanity.
- Examine historical and present immigration policies and their impacts on the life of those in border regions.
- Visit migrant shelters and listen to the stories of those who are impacted by border and immigration policies.
- Visit Albergue Las Memorias, a residential facility for people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Meet with community members, activists, faith leaders, and academics throughout San Diego and Tijuana who are fighting for migrant justice on both sides of the border.
- Get to know the community of Parroquia Maria Immaculada in the colonia of Lomas in Tijuana.
- Think critically and intersectionally about the relationships between climate change and migration patterns.
- Deepen our commitment to the longstanding faith tradition of welcoming the stranger and standing in solidarity with those negatively affected by power and injustice.
- Leave with tools to take action for positive social change
Where:
Our group will stay at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Logan Heights (which is in San Diego) for the first couple days and will spend the remainder of the immersion staying at a Maria Immaculada parish in one of the fastest growing colonias (neighborhoods) of Tijuana. Students will sleep on the floor and will have access to bathrooms and showers. In the spirit of simple living, we will prepare many of our own meals.
How do I apply?
Apllication will open during the fall 2026 semester.
Applications are open to undergraduate students only.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for the immersion experience is $80 and includes transportation, meals, lodging, and donations to our community partners.
Please contact Alec Hartman at ajhartman@sandiego.edu with any questions about financial aid.
We never want the cost to prevent students from enjoying our programs. Because of this, financial assistance is available! If you would like to request assistance (100% or 50%), please click the "Request Financial Aid" option on the registration link and follow the steps to be taken for financial assistance. All requests will be honored.
If you have any questions regarding financial aid or cost, please contact Alec Hartman (ajhartman@sandiego.edu).
People communicate in many different ways other than using the language of their country. That being said, our Student Leaders and Staff will offer assistance with translation. Even if you don't know any Spanish, you can still have meaningful encounters with the people we meet!
You will be asked to bring a sleeping bag and pillow, toiletries, reusable water bottle, closed-toed shoes, jeans, t-shirts and a sweatshirt. You will be asked to leave your cell phone at home or have a UM staff member hold on to it.
We will provide a detailed packing list to participants during our weekly formation preparation gatherings.
Most importantly, we ask that you bring an openness to those you will encounter, a willingness to learn and share and build relationships.
When entering the United States through Mexico, you will be asked to show one of the following:
- A valid passport or passport card
- A Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST)
- A green card
- An I-20 form and passport (if on a student visa)
- An Enhanced Driver's License (issued in MI, MN, NY, VT, or WA).
Please feel free to contact us if we can be of any support in answering further questions.
University Minister for US/Mexico Border Immersion
Alec Hartman
Founders 21D
619-260-2221
ajhartman@sandiego.edu