BACK HOME: PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE EXILES' RETURN TO ARGENTINA

Abstract

This study of repatriation to Argentina explores the psychological readjustment of the return migrants. Case studies of Argentines who returned from political exile are used to develop a series of hypothetical propositions about exile and return. These propositions are informed by psychoanalytical and psychosocial thinking on exile identity and stigma. Between 1975 and 1980 approximately 4000 migrants per year returned to Argentina. This represents an annual rate of return of 1.5% relative to the Argentine population residing abroad in those years. This chapter is based on a 1985 survey of 134 exiled families who returned to Argentina and 86 families who returned but did not originally emigrate for political reasons. The survey shows that economic reasons did not play a prominent part in the decision to return. Returnees had experienced a remarkably high divorce rate in a short period of time. The decision to return sometimes generated conflicts in the families of the exiles. More than 60% returned without a formal job or a sure offer of employment. Approximately 40% had made exploratory visits prior to their return. More than 40% were housed with friends and relatives immediately upon returning to Argentina. 8% of the heads of household were unemployed and 15.9% of their spouses were unemployed. While the majority considered that returning was the correct decision and appeared to be basically content in having taken that step about 40% intend to emigrate again when the opportunity presents itself. The duration of return did not seem to be a very decisive factor in determining the exiles reinsertion into the labor market but it did influence the exiles perception about his or her problems or position in society. What marks the end of the return is the disappearance of the status of returnee as a significant element in ones own definition and in the perception others have about the person. They did not attribute their economic problems to having been in exile but rather to the problems of the country. They had reconstructed a normal life in all respects including some who had married or had children or had successfully begun a new career. 40% of those interviewed showed an intention or readiness to emigrate again. Once their identity is reconstructed in their own land and the wounds of exile are healed there can be another decision to migrate. This time however it is the result of free choice.