Return Migrant Children and Youth in Mexico: Findings, Advances and Pending (2015-2022).

Abstract

Return migration in Mexico has undergone important changes during the 21st century. After the increase observed in the first decade of the century, the return population has been on the decline. In addition, children and youth have emerged as an increasingly important subgroup within this population. This article provides a critical discussion of 1) the research studies that document the characteristics, needs and re-integration experience of returnee children and youth and, 2) the policies and actions designed by the federal government to address the needs of this population. The article seeks to contribute to the discussion of the phenomenon of the return of children and youth of Mexican origin by outlining priority areas on which we still have important research questions, in addition to pointing out the most urgent gaps to be covered by public policy in favor of returning migrant children and youth.