Children of Returnees in Mexico: Transnationalism and Adaptation

• In Event: 16.056 - Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: 16.056-2 - Betwixt and Between: Identity Formation of Transnational Youth Across Political and Social Contexts

Abstract

In this paper we will focus on ways in which migrant families’ return to Mexico is transforming the lives of their U.S. born children. A series of 32 semi-structured interviews were conducted with four kindergarteners over a period of three months. Children’s human and social capital, adaptation strategies, as well as bilingual development will be discussed. We will argue that economic and immigration policies are intertwined and will maintain that being more informed about children’s transnational experiences can help teachers in implementing pedagogical practices that recognize their funds of knowledge. Policy implications of our findings will be presented. The children presented are participants of a larger study that is underway and is jointly conducted by U.S. and Mexican researchers.

Authors

• Ali Borjian, San Francisco State University

• Luz María Muñoz de Cote, University of Guanajuato

• Patricia Marie Anne Houde, University of Guanajuato

• Koco Medina Lopez, University of Guanajuato

• Thaliae Rangel Padro, University of Guanajuato