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

Noor J. ten Have, Kassandra J. Jimenez, Jonas Attilus, Maria B. Livaudais and Brittney S. Mengistu ()
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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

Journal of International Migration and Integration, 2023, vol. 24, issue 4, No 15, 1835-1863

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: COVID-19; Refugees; Policies; Central America; Mexico; US; Noor J. ten Have and Kassandra J. Jimenez are co-first authors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01040-w

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