This volume focuses on recent experiences of return migration to Mexico and Central America
from the United States. For most of the twentieth century return migration to the US was a
normal part of the migration process from Mexico and Central America typically resulting in
the eventual permanent settlement of migrants in the US. In recent years however such
migration has become involuntary as a growing proportion of return migration is taking place
through formal orders of deportation. This book discusses return migration to Mexico Guatemala
El Salvador and Honduras addressing different reasons for return whether voluntary or
involuntary and highlighting the unique challenges faced by returnees to each region.
Particular emphasis is placed on the lack of government and institutional policies in place for
returning migrants who wish to attain work training or shelter in their home countries.
Finally the authors take a look at the phenomenon of migrants who can never return because
they have disappeared during the migration process. Through its multinational focus diverse
thematic outlook and use of ethnographic and survey methods this volume provides an original
contribution to the topic of return migration and broadens the scope of the literature
currently available. As such this book will be important to scholars and students interested
in immigration policy and Latin America as well as policy makers and activists.
