Analyzing Non-Profit Methods of Supporting the Integration of Displaced People in Mexico City, Mexico
Faculty Mentor
Olivia Sylvester
Major/Area of Research
Global Studies, Immigration
Description
INTRODUCTION: In Mexico City (CDMX), migrants and refugees experience disadvantages and discrimination in the process of resettlement, particularly in labor and social integration. The integration of these groups has been highly studied in the United States and Canada; however, this issue remains understudied in Latin America, specifically in Mexico, where the focus has been on migrants in transit.
METHOD: To investigate this issue, I conducted a qualitative case study on Programa Casa Refugiados (PCR), a non-profit organization in Mexico City that supports the integration of displaced people living in CDMX. Over the course of my three-month internship with PCR, I conducted eight semi-structured interviews with PCR employees and displaced people. The interview questions focused on the functions of the organization, and participants' perceptions and experiences relating to Programa Casa Refugiados. Participant observation was conducted at two PCR offices, the CeahPaz shelter, and several PCR events. Contact theory informed both the interview questions and the analysis of my observations.
RESULTS: My investigation finds that Programa Casa Refugiados offers a holistic approach to migrant and refugee integration that values the unique experiences, skills, and needs of clients. The findings demonstrate the importance of education in addressing anti-immigrant sentiment and PCR’s strong support network. This research fills a gap in the current scholarly literature by revealing the strategies employed by Programa Casa Refugiados that are effective in addressing the social and economic challenges faced by migrants and refugees in CDMX. Finally, the findings identify the financial challenges facing PCR and the methods they have developed to withstand these pressures and strengthen their services.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: These findings offer valuable insight for other non-profit organizations in the Americas with similar goals and financial restrictions. The implementation of PCR strategies could be beneficial for these organizations and strengthen migrant and refugee support systems throughout the Americas.
Analyzing Non-Profit Methods of Supporting the Integration of Displaced People in Mexico City, Mexico
INTRODUCTION: In Mexico City (CDMX), migrants and refugees experience disadvantages and discrimination in the process of resettlement, particularly in labor and social integration. The integration of these groups has been highly studied in the United States and Canada; however, this issue remains understudied in Latin America, specifically in Mexico, where the focus has been on migrants in transit.
METHOD: To investigate this issue, I conducted a qualitative case study on Programa Casa Refugiados (PCR), a non-profit organization in Mexico City that supports the integration of displaced people living in CDMX. Over the course of my three-month internship with PCR, I conducted eight semi-structured interviews with PCR employees and displaced people. The interview questions focused on the functions of the organization, and participants' perceptions and experiences relating to Programa Casa Refugiados. Participant observation was conducted at two PCR offices, the CeahPaz shelter, and several PCR events. Contact theory informed both the interview questions and the analysis of my observations.
RESULTS: My investigation finds that Programa Casa Refugiados offers a holistic approach to migrant and refugee integration that values the unique experiences, skills, and needs of clients. The findings demonstrate the importance of education in addressing anti-immigrant sentiment and PCR’s strong support network. This research fills a gap in the current scholarly literature by revealing the strategies employed by Programa Casa Refugiados that are effective in addressing the social and economic challenges faced by migrants and refugees in CDMX. Finally, the findings identify the financial challenges facing PCR and the methods they have developed to withstand these pressures and strengthen their services.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: These findings offer valuable insight for other non-profit organizations in the Americas with similar goals and financial restrictions. The implementation of PCR strategies could be beneficial for these organizations and strengthen migrant and refugee support systems throughout the Americas.