Migrants in Mexico Face Complex Vulnerabilities Beyond Border Crossings: Gender and Economic Status Key Factors
Mexico City, September 17, 2026 – Migrants in Mexico encounter difficulties that transcend the act of crossing borders, with factors such as gender and economic status playing pivotal roles in shaping their vulnerability. This is according to a new study by researchers Sofía Teresa Díaz Torres and Jessica Ximena Montes de Oca Quiroz, from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
The investigation, which commenced approximately a year and a half ago, was initially prompted by protests against gentrification in Mexico City. These protests brought to the forefront discussions about the arrival of foreigners and the varying perceptions of them based on their origin. The findings underscore that a combination of factors including origin, economic status, gender, ethnicity, and journey conditions significantly escalates the risks faced by individuals migrating to or settling in Mexico.
Dynamic Disadvantage: Beyond Fixed Characteristics
Díaz Torres and Montes de Oca Quiroz emphasize that disadvantage is not an inherent characteristic of certain groups but rather a dynamic situation influenced by social, political, economic, and racial circumstances. Their work, compiled in the book “Layers of Vulnerability of Migrant Populations in Mexico,” posits that the reception of migrants is not solely dependent on their nationality. Social class, mode of travel, and public representation also profoundly affect their access to essential services such as housing, employment, education, and healthcare.
The researchers, both doctoral candidates in UNAM’s Medical, Dental, and Health Sciences master’s and doctoral program, within the areas of Humanities in Health and Bioethics, developed their publication from an essay that secured third place in the “Writing for Bioethics” competition, organized by UNAM’s University Bioethics Program.
Xenophobia and Aporophobia: Two Sides of the Same Coin
During their research, the academics observed nationalistic and xenophobic sentiments across social media, traditional media, and academic spheres. These discourses frequently differentiated individuals from the so-called global North from those arriving from the global South. “There was a rejection of them not because they were foreigners, but also because of their economic condition,” one of the authors stated.
This observation led the specialists to conclude that xenophobia alone was insufficient to explain the phenomenon. They incorporated the concept of aporophobia, defined as the rejection of poor people, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the discrimination faced by migrants.
Basic Needs Unmet in Migrant Camps
Sofía Díaz Torres further explored the issue by visiting migrant camps that became increasingly visible in Mexico City, including the one in Plaza Giordano Bruno in Colonia Juárez. Her initial intention was to provide books and promote literacy; however, she quickly realized that the most pressing needs were water, medicine, and food. “The conditions in the camp required the most basic things,” Díaz Torres noted, highlighting that each displacement presents unique needs and risks.
To analyze this diversity, the researchers adopted the metaphor of “layers” from Argentine philosopher Florencia Luna, which helps illustrate how various elements accumulate in a single individual, exacerbating their vulnerability. Montes de Oca explained that a person might face risks associated with their economic situation, age, gender, origin, geographical location, or ethnic background, with transit conditions further increasing this exposure.
Gender, Language, and Public Policies: Broadening the Discussion
Migrant women, in particular, face heightened risks from an early age, including sexual abuse, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation throughout their journeys. Furthermore, inequalities are evident in how newcomers are represented. Information disseminated in news and social media often associates individuals from the global North with innovation, technology, and the digital era.
Conversely, people from the global South are frequently linked to service jobs. This disparity is also reflected in the terminology used to describe migration. Montes de Oca pointed out that terms like “expat” or “digital nomad” are typically reserved for those from global North countries, while the word “migrant” can carry negative connotations when associated with unfavorable economic conditions.
The study underscores the urgent need for a nuanced understanding of migrant experiences, advocating for public policies that address these multifaceted vulnerabilities and promote equitable integration for all.
Source: Infobae
