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COVID-19 and Protracted Displacement: a Scoping Review of Migration Policies in Mexico and Central America

Author

Listed:
  • Noor J. ten Have

    (Vrije University Amsterdam)

  • Kassandra J. Jimenez

    (Vrije University Amsterdam)

  • Jonas Attilus

    (University of Minnesota Medical School)

  • Maria B. Livaudais

    (California State University East Bay)

  • Brittney S. Mengistu

    (Vrije University Amsterdam)

Abstract

By the end of 2020, more than 500,000 migrants from Central America, Haiti, Africa, and Asia sought asylum along the US-Mexico border despite COVID-19-related travel restrictions and public health measures. A scoping review was conducted to understand the role of COVID-19-related policies on irregular migration flows through Central America and Mexico and to examine the experiences of asylum seekers traversing this region. Peer-reviewed literature, policy briefs, and commentaries were screened for inclusion, resulting in 33 documents selected for this review. This review identified three dominant themes: border closures due to multiple national migration policies, delays in asylum procedures, and increased risks to migrant wellbeing. This article argues that border closures were a punitive policy measure to deter irregular migration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for future research and policy include prioritizing the health needs of asylum seekers and advocating the appropriateness and effectiveness of immigration and public health policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Noor J. ten Have & Kassandra J. Jimenez & Jonas Attilus & Maria B. Livaudais & Brittney S. Mengistu, 2023. "COVID-19 and Protracted Displacement: a Scoping Review of Migration Policies in Mexico and Central America," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 1835-1863, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:24:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s12134-023-01040-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01040-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heaven Crawley, 2021. "The Politics of Refugee Protection in a (Post)COVID-19 World," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Pia Riggirozzi, 2020. "Social Policy, Inequalities and the Battle of Rights in Latin America," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 51(2), pages 506-522, March.
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