Children from Transnational Families: Mexican Migration to the United States

Mexican migration to US is a phenomenon shaped by the interaction of economic, demographic, historical, social, cultural and psychological factors on both sides of the border.

Transnational families that experience this process present changes in their structure and dynamics. For this reason, the interest of this study was to know the experience of children from transnational families on migration to the United States of America from their communities of origin in Mexico.

To achieve the research, 3 independent studies were carried out using different methods and techniques: semantic networks, focus groups, attitude scale towards migration and the Family Drawing technique were applied.

The study involved 67 boys and girls between 10 and 13 years old from rural communities who have a direct relative migrant living in the United States of America.

The results were that migration is a normal part of the culture of the participants and that they recognize the importance it plays in their lives.

In general, children show a positive attitude towards migration: because the remittances sent by their parents allow them to stay in school, access health services and have a better quality of life.

They expressed interest in migrating to the United States to reach a higher level of education and have a well-paying job; for some cases it is also an escape route from poverty and insecurity living in Mexico.

However, they always bear in mind the fear of migrating without documents.

The adverse effects of the separation must be considered in public policies to intervene socially in the migrant communities.