Concurrent Displacements: Return, Waiting for Asylum, and Internal Displacement in Northern Mexico

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which contemporary mobility dynamics in Mexico have changed over the last decade, leading to protracted displacement. It focuses on three populations: (1) the internally displaced due to violence; (2) Mexican nationals returning from the United States, both voluntarily and due to deportation; and (3) populations seeking asylum in Mexico and the United States. These three populations are not usually analyzed together and do not squarely fall under the traditional legal definitions. The paper outlines ways that situations of protracted displacement and insecurity present challenges in four interconnected arenas of life: housing, legal status, employment, and emotional well-being. For governments and local communities, protracted displacement requires immediate humanitarian responses and the development and implementation of public policies focused on integration. The paper concludes with a set of policy recommendations based on its findings.

Durable Displacement and the Protracted Search for Solutions: Promising Programs and Strategies

“…Isabel Gil-Everaert, Claudia Masferrer, and Oscar Rodríguez Chávez (2023) highlight the need for bi-national and regional cooperation in addressing protracted displacement. They examine three infrequently linked situations of protracted displacement in northern Mexico:…”

“…Protracted displacement raises acute challenges related to housing, employment, legal status, uncertainty, health, and mental wellbeing. Everaert, Masferrer, and Rodriguez (2023) propose that Mexico:…”

“…Everaert, Masferrer, and Rodriquez (2023) consider the situation in Mexico where refugees, IDPs and returnees all have distinct integration needs and argue that a comprehensive approach is needed, rooted in policy reforms. They provide a useful reminder that returning refugees or migrants also need to be considered in looking at integration, noting that some half a million Mexican migrants have been returned, mostly involuntarily, from the United States and have problems fitting in.…”

“…Wistrand (2023) proposes greater long-term investment in creating solutions for IDPs. Everaert, Masferrer, and Rodriguez (2023) recognize the shared needs of IDPs, deportees, refugees, and asylum-seekers in protracted displacement. Pio and Ewazi (2023) believe that New Zealand should extend refugee resettlement services to asylum-seekers.…”

“…Mobility restrictions, combined with these other factors, lead to immense stress, anxiety, and “deteriorating” mental health (ibid.). Everaert, Masferrer and Rodriguez (2023) propose the free movement of asylum-seekers in Mexico.…”