Borders, Walls, and Immigration in Arizona

The Arizona-Mexico border is a line of separation and a place of coming together. This paradox shapes the borderland region and its people in fascinating and important ways. In this talk, Dr. Warren offers a historical and geographical overview of the formation of the Arizona- Mexico border and its evolution since the 1800s. The program discusses historical and contemporary efforts to demarcate the boundary through bi-national surveys, the construction of fences and walls, and policing. Warren will also offer a contemporary survey of what the border looks like today, from the New Mexico line to Yuma. This talk is intended to increase awareness of the current state of the Arizona-Mexico border and the policies that affect the borderland.

Scott Warren is a cultural geographer who lives in Ajo, Arizona. As an academic geographer he researches and teaches about the intersection of people and place at the Mexico-U.S. border. He works to bring the experiences of the Arizona-Sonora borderlands into his classrooms, while at the same time getting students out of the classroom and into the Arizona-Sonora borderlands. Scott favorite past time is exploring Arizona’s beautiful landscapes and important places.