Abstract

FRESNEDA, Edel J.. The functionality of illegality in the experiences of Mexican migrants. Prob. Des [online]. 2020, vol.51, n.201, pp.133-153.  Epub Nov 09, 2020. ISSN 0301-7036.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iiec.20078951e.2020.201.69430.

This paper delves into an analysis of illegality in migration, from a migrant perspective. To do this, established and assimilated historical practices in selected groups of Mexican migrants were analyzed according to immigration status and settlement area. The argument presented here is that illegality has a functional character for the reproduction of the migrant trajectory. This is demonstrated using a comparative analysis of the way migrants’ decisions allow them to integrate their trajectories into two contexts which show unequal development. Such integration determines its functionality independently of the existence of restrictive migration policies in nationstate contexts.

Keywords : illegal migration; unequal development; migration policy; vulnerability; Mexico; United States.

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