Families on the Move: Transit Migrant Experiences and Learning in Migrant Shelters

• In Event: Research on the Move: Consequential Research Examining Caregiver and Family Communities

Abstract

This ethnography explores the experiences and learning of migrant families en route to the U.S. to seek asylum, yet forced to remain in Mexico. While in Mexico, many migrants face the perilous journey and limited support from overcrowded shelters. Using 18 months of fieldwork and 45 in-depth interviews, the study illuminates how migrant shelters serve as crucial educational spaces, imparting strategies amid state inaction and restrictive U.S. policies. It underscores the informal learning occurring in these transitional spaces, challenging traditional views of education. By examining how migrants navigate social and legal barriers, the research provides insights into the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies and the critical role of shelters in migrant support and education.

Author

• Claudia Triana, University of Wisconsin - Madison