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Civilizational crisis signs: Migrants, displaced people and refugees

Daniel Villafuerte Solís — 2026-01-20

This article aims to analyze human mobility, expressed in irregular migration, forced displacement, and refugee status as signs of a time of profound crisis, a crisis of modern civilization driven by capitalism in its global neoliberal phase. Two political forces emerge: one globalist, the other, advocates for the protection of the interests of national capital. Both tendencies, however, maintain a burden of neoliberal policies that generate the expulsion of large masses of the population.

People in Migratory Situations in the Time of Late Neoliberal Capitalism: Toward a Critical Typology of the 'Migrant Subject'"

Philippe Schaffhauser — 2026-01-20

This article is a theoretical essay whose objective is first to describe and
analyze the facets of the “migrant subject” as a typology of people in situations of
mobility today, and then to establish a critique based on Marxist dialectical
questioning of the triadic relationship between migration, labor, and capital. The
main thesis of this exploration is to present the figure of the “migrant subject” as a
character in the narrative of neoliberal capitalism on contemporary migration. This
narrative conceals another reality that has to do with the international growth of the
productive forces to remedy the crises of capital derived from its historical difficulty
in extracting surplus value on the one hand, and with the constitution of a migratory
fetishism on a regional and global scale that shapes the individual and collective
decisions and projects of people in migratory situations on the other. Thus,
although the typology of the “migrant subject” has empirical value for approaching
contemporary migratory realities, it is not exempt from criticism that highlights its
partial subjectivity, that is, its fetishistic character that tends to conceal the
materiality of the relationship between capital, labor, and migration.

Immigration, Human Rights, and Globalization. Reflections from the Southern Border of the United States and Southern Mexico

María del Carmen García Aguilar — 2026-01-20

Over the course of the 21st century, immigration in the United States has been the subject of a political and legal exercise that not only violates the foundations of international human rights law, but also one of the assumptions of globalization: the devaluation of spatiality, particularly border spaces. This article attempts to explain these tensions in the flow of immigration from the borders of the southern United States and southern Mexico. For this purpose, different levels of approach were established: globalization and the destructuring of the democratic constitutional rule of law and international human rights law; the destructuring-reconstruction of borders; as well as the practices and strategies of migrants in a context of uncertainty and vulnerability.

Multicultural migration on the United States-Mexico Border: context and policies, 2021-2024.

Jimmy Emmanuel Ramos Valencia — 2026-01-20

This article analyzes international and multicultural migration at the Mexico-United States border during President Biden's administration, focusing on the increase in African and Asian migrants, particularly Chinese, in the Tijuana-San Diego region. The central question is: what is the context of multicultural migration within the framework of the largest human mobility event in North America? Utilizing data from the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) and Mexico's National Institute of Migration (INM), the study identifies patterns and trends in human mobility and the predominant nationalities among detained migrants. The findings reveal a migration crisis with new human mobilities involving over 45 nationalities. Biden's human rights-centered immigration policy has encouraged greater border crossings. The study highlights the growing migratory diversity, the impacts of Biden's policies, and the emerging humanitarian and security challenges, underscoring the need for inclusive and secure policies.

Mexico and its dependence on the United States in trade, investment, and remittances

Angel Licona Michel — 2026-01-20

Mexico has a very close relationship with the United States economy, the country's main partner in trade, investment, and remittance collection from workers from the 32 states of Mexico who emigrated to develop their productive potential in the largest and most industrialized economy. The population has a per capita income exceeding $60,000 annually, compared to less than $15,000 in Mexico. The income gap contributes to more Mexicans seeking opportunities in the United States market, increasing the flow of remittances within Mexico. The objective of this research is to explain this dependence through the amounts of trade, investment, and remittance flows from the United States to Mexico from 2000 to 2024. To this end, a documentary analysis was used to retrieve selective information from different sources to show the value and share of trade, investment, and remittances.

Return Migration from United States to Mexico

Miguel Vilches Hinojosa — 2026-01-20

The document contains an analysis of return migration from the United States to Mexico within the context of anti-immigrant policies from 2017 to 2024. It examines the concept of return migration from the perspective of the migration system to highlight the complexity of this phenomenon within the migration dynamics between the two countries. The hypothesis is that, in the current context of intensified persecution, detention, and expulsion of migrants, "pseudo-voluntary" returns are occurring among migrants who are returning to Mexico to avoid the stress and fear caused by criminalizing and violent rhetoric against immigration.

Mood and Substance Use Among Returned Migrants from Michoacan: Perspectives of Service Providers

María Elena Rivera Heredia — 2026-01-20

Return migration refers to the process whereby individuals return to their country of origin after having resided abroad. This transition entails significant challenges related to readaptation, which can adversely impact both physical and mental well-being. Among the primary difficulties reported by returnees are the need to adjust to new living conditions and the deterioration of their health, often associated with limited or absent access to medical care during their time abroad. Alcohol and drug use have been identified as coping strategies employed by some migrants in response to stress and loneliness, which in turn may increase their vulnerability. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of professionals who provide psychological, legal, and administrative support to return migrants, with a particular focus on the emotional impact of return, mental health care needs, and patterns of substance use. A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with nine individuals who work directly with returnees. Thematic analysis revealed three central themes: (1) stressors and triggers associated with substance use, (2) barriers and opportunities for addressing migrants' mental health needs, and (3) types of support provided to return migrants. Participants emphasized the importance of preventive interventions that offer guidance and promote the development of psychosocial skills. The implementation of health promotion and risk prevention programs is essential to enhance the well-being of return migrants.

Migrant Syndrome = Resilient Migration or Migrant Resilience reflecting their forward-thinking personality

Angélica Ojeda García — 2026-01-20

This article aims to demystify the idea that sick migrants are those who decide to leave their place of origin, unequivocally becoming even more ill during their mobility and consequently becoming a problem, regardless of whether migrant reception services are sufficient or organized to offer not only basic services but also to provide the necessary guidance to get back on track, redirecting their thoughts and emotions. Development: Through evidence that every adult migrant develops a resilient personality type and not only maintains their active or awake resilience capacity, when we talk about advocacy or intervention with migrants, it will be based on activating this capacity, not emotional recovery. Results: As a result of the unspecified syndrome that pushes them to react reactively due to their distinctive condition, it was possible to see how migrants are capable of expressing more resilient responses and not so much reactive behaviors. This incidence only applies to children and adolescents whose personality is not forward-leaning due to age and to migrants who have adopted a passive attitude toward the various demands that the migration process entails. The evidence concludes that, through natural adaptation and survival, migrants develop a resilient migrant personality.

International Students at UACJ: Perceptions, Experiences, and Challenges in Their Educational and Migratory Process

Maria Teresa Martínez Almanza — 2026-01-20

This qualitative study explores the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of international graduate students at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) within the context of their regular migration and integration into the Mexican higher education system. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with students from various countries and with university staff responsible for supporting this student population. Topics included motivations for studying abroad, reasons for choosing Ciudad Juárez, migration experiences, academic and institutional barriers, perceptions of the social environment, discrimination, received support, and safety. Interviews with staff contextualized the institutional role, administrative challenges, and the implementation of support policies. Findings reveal both tensions and opportunities in the adaptation process, as well as the students' resilience in facing migratory, economic, and cultural barriers. The study concludes that institutional strategies must be strengthened, and more inclusive, effective policies are needed to adequately support the international student experience at UACJ.

Risk, policies in tension: Homelessness and Migration as Challenges for Priority Groups

Santa Magdalena Mercado Ibarra — 2026-01-20

The connection between homelessness, migration, and housing insecurity within the framework of recent migration policies, especially during Donald Trump's second term, is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed. The objective is to analyze, from a structural perspective, the economic, political, and social factors that have driven the increase in international migration, thereby intensifying the vulnerability of migrant populations. These individuals face a range of physical, psychological, and social risks, which become more severe when they are stranded in border cities without resources, access to housing, or support network conditions that can lead to homelessness. This highlights the urgent need to implement comprehensive public policies that prioritize access to housing, employment, healthcare, education, and migration regularization. The homelessness of migrants not only represents an individual crisis but also poses a challenge to social cohesion and the fundamental principles of human rights, requiring structured, ethical, and sustainable responses from states and international organizations.

The impact of the migration field on the transit of Centra American migrants through Mexico

Miriam Reyes Tovar — 2026-01-20

This paper examines the impact of migration between Mexico and the United States on Central American migration in transit through Mexican territory. From a socio-spatial perspective, it explores how the historical, economic, and symbolic dynamics of bilateral migration shape routes, imaginaries, and vulnerabilities for Central American migrants. A theoretical approach highlights the life-changing contradictions of migration, aiming to underscore the social impact that must be addressed in the protection of rights, regional cooperation, and the restructuring of migration policies.

Work, family and Central American migration in southern Puebla

Teodoro Aguilar Ortega — 2026-01-20

Central American migration to the United States intensified during the last two decades of the last century; however, the events of September 11, 2001, increased restrictions on irregular entry into the country, in addition to increasing violence against migrants throughout their journey. Faced with this situation, thousands of Central Americans heading to the United States changed their plans and, unable to return to their places of origin, opted to remain in Mexico. Based on this, the purpose of this paper is to analyze some emblematic cases of how the life stories reveal the survival strategies of some migrants who were unable, or unwilling, to continue their journey north and now consider Mexico as their destination. The study is based on economics, on the theory of periphery, which determines that some nations function only within the capitalist system as suppliers of cheap labor, while developed countries are a magnet for migrants due to their high wages and elevated standard of living. The result is that millions of Central American workers have headed to the United States with the intention of entering the labor market, but when they fail to achieve their goal, they have decided to stay in Mexico because its level of development, although far from the United States, is better than that of their places of origin. From an anthropological perspective, three emblematic cases are presented that expose the difficulties of the move and how upon arriving in Tehuacán, Puebla, which provides them with security and work, it becomes their new place of residence.

Indigenous School as part of the Transnational Migration Circuit between Oaxaca and the San Quintín Valley

Rafael Pedregal Cortés — 2026-01-20

The main objective of this article is to analyze the migratory flows, related to the Baja California Indigenous School, which are part of the so-called Transnational Migratory Circuit. Likewise, an attempt is made to answer the impact of migration on the Baja California Indigenous School through qualitative research that takes place in the San Quintín Valley. Data collection consisted of five semi-structured interviews with teachers who migrated from the state of Oaxaca, carried out in situ in bilingual indigenous schools in the San Quintín Valley. For data analysis, some analysis categories were developed, corresponding to different migratory patterns, based on the transcripts of the interviews carried out. The results show that: the Indigenous School in Baja California constitutes a neuralgic point within this Transnational Migratory Circuit, where various realities are connected and various migratory trajectories and patterns converge.

Narratives of Migrant Motherhood: Subjectivity, Resistance, and Care from the Midwifery Model in Transit through Mexico

María de la Luz Pérez Padilla — 2026-01-20

This article explores the experiences of migrant women in the perinatal period crossing Mexico’s northern border, focusing on subjectivity, resistance, and the care provided through midwifery models. Using a qualitative narrative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with four migrant women who received prenatal, childbirth, or postpartum support from midwives. The findings show that in contexts of extreme vulnerability and displacement, motherhood functions as an identity anchor that fosters women's resilience. The study also highlights respectful and humanized care practices by midwives, who address not only the physical health of the women but also their emotional and symbolic well-being. The narratives reveal how midwifery support helps migrant mothers reframe their migratory experience and reconstruct their maternal identity amidst adversity. The study concludes that midwifery offers an ethical and culturally appropriate model of care for migrant women in the perinatal period and recommends its integration into public health and migration policies.

Older migrant adults in the US caring for minors in the family: choice or destiny.

Carmen Castrejón Mata — 2026-01-20

This work aims to show the reality that older adults who have migrated to the United States have lived for years and even decades, either for work reasons since their youth or, in their case, to integrate the families of their children. In this reality we find older adults who, sometimes, without having made the decision to take care of their grandchildren, have had to dedicate themselves to care because their children have long working hours, it is complicated by the care work or the payment to someone who did it due to the high costs that this implies in that country, in addition to the risk involved in having them in charge of people who are not from the family. On the other hand, many of the realities of these older adults is not what they really expected because it has kept them for years in a running of the bulls in which the longing for their place of origin has affected in some cases their mental and physical health by the strenuous work of caring for minors.

Transdisciplinary Stakes from the Global South: Rethinking Development in a Dialogically

Emilio Nudelman Cruz — 2026-01-21

Capitalism deepens a crisis in human existence that manifests itself in all spheres of our lives. This existential crisis predates capitalism, but capitalism feeds on it. It is well known that while the majority of people and nations struggle to satisfy their basic needs, a minority concentrates wealth through labor exploitation and the plunder of territories, accelerating environmental devastation. In response, protecting Life, understood as a fundamental unity, becomes urgent. While some argue that we must abandon the concept of development and seek alternatives to it, or theoretical-practical substitutions such as buen vivir, this work seeks not to impoverish our culture but to reappropriate and redefine development, overcoming the economicist vision of developmentalism, the illusions of post-developmentalism, and incorporating philosophical reflections and knowledges from the South Global in a dialogue-based manner. The objective is to reconstruct the meaning of development and strengthen its ethical foundations, rather than discard it entirely, thereby mutilating our language and reducing the possibilities to name and understand the world, and therefore—and only then—to transform it.

Editorial

Eduardo Fernánde Guzmán — 2026-01-20

Editorial note.

Crossing Physical Borders to Cross Socioeconomic Borders: Reflections on the Book “Movilidad social intergeneracional en la migración internacional: El caso Huandacareo, Michoacán”

Daniel Vega — 2026-01-21

He was like that—so good—and it’s not because he was my son, I swear it’s not. You can ask any of the old neighbors around here, and they’ll all tell you the same thing: he turned out better than anyone could have expected… Isn’t that reason enough to live proudly of my son? To know that he had a fate so different from mine and from his father’s; I don’t know who that boy took after to be so intelligent, to know that he no longer lived in a tenement, that he had his own car and traveled to countries I didn’t even know existed, and that he was somebody in this country.”

In this passage, the Cuban novelist Leonardo Padura, in his text Pasado Perfecto, allows us to see—simply, though not without depth—the central importance of the fact that subsequent generations attain better standards of living and are able to live fully in every sense. There will certainly be exceptions; however, it is common for people to have a natural desire to see the younger members of their family prosper—something that brings them peace of mind, but also pride, as Padura’s character expresses.

The transition from literature to scientific research, or vice versa, can sometimes be smoother than it might appear. If Leonardo Padura speaks of how important it is for a mother to know that her son is experiencing a fate different from that of his parents, the historian Eduardo Fernández frames this in terms of intergenerational social mobility. Both ideas converge on what is essential: the possibility of improving one’s socioeconomic and cultural position in comparison with the previous generation.

Book Review: Perspectivas migrantes

Luis Fierro — 2026-01-21

Generally speaking, migration is linked to poverty, which forces individuals to leave their place of origin in search of better economic conditions elsewhere, thus improving the quality of life for migrants and their families. However, migration as a sociocultural issue is more than just a situation of hardship. Migration is a complex interplay of factors and characteristics, and while these are general, each migratory process is a unique phenomenon with its own distinct facets.