The Mexican Dream? The Effect of Return Migrants on Hometown Development

• In Event: 342 - Section on International Migration Paper Session. Social Effects of Immigrant Detention, Removal, and Return

Abstract

Mexican migrants are returning to their homeland at record rates. Along with material goods, these former migrants may bring with them new ways of thinking about the world and envisioning the future. Still, we know relatively little about the degree to which former migrants affect the wellbeing of their local communities over time. In this study we evaluate the effect of return migrants on health, education, income, and political participation in Guanajuato, Mexico during the period 2000-2010. Our findings imply that returnees may have positive effects within local economies, improving not only income, but also education, healthcare, electoral participation, and overall wellbeing. The results of this study have important implications for policy makers operating within emigration-prone regions of the world.

Authors

• Benjamin Waddell, Adams State University

• Matias Fontenla, University of New Mexico