Date of Graduation

Fall 12-14-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

International Studies

First Advisor

Diana Negrin

Second Advisor

Olivier Bercault

Abstract

The anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S. intensified deportation, including that of Mexican and Salvadorian migrants with some having served in the U.S. military. Despite weak social connections and explicit/structural barriers in Mexico, many deportees make the decision to stay in Mexico. The focus of this thesis is male deportees belonging to the “1.5 generation,” aged late 20’s-early 60’s, who, after spending their childhood and adulthood in the U.S., have undergone deportation and are faced with social and economic reintegration in the northern border area of Baja California, Mexico. Through 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews, I explore transnational identity negotiations that impact the socio-economic reintegration of deportees within the call center industry. This thesis addresses how strong ‘American’ self-identification, feelings of not belonging, and familial networks in the U.S. influence temporary and long term reintegration. Identity markers, the transnational space of the call enter sector, recyclability of deportee labor, socialization within Mexican society and the work environment, English usage, police harassment and stigmatization were identified as factors preventing reintegration. Thus, this research offers policy recommendations to aid in the socio-economic reintegration process of the region.

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