Migratory Journey Research Articles

The externalization of legal categories: how U.S. immigration law shapes Central American youth migrants’ journeys through Mexico

ABSTRACT This article explores the relationship between the categorization of migrants under U.S. immigration laws and how Central American migrant youth understand and make decisions about their journeys through Mexico on their way to the U.S. Drawing from four years of ethnographic research in Mexico and Central America, this article shows how youth migrants learn about different legal classifications of migrants under U.S. immigration laws while transiting through Mexico and assess how such categories take (or do not take) into account their experiences during the migration journey. These assessments transform the migrant youths’ journeys – they change their routes through Mexico, and families split before crossing to the U.S. – and make them less likely to denounce or call attention to the violence they suffer in Mexico. This article ultimately shows how U.S. immigration law has an externalized effect that transforms migrants’ journeys well before migrants ever reach the U.S.

Understanding resilience among migrant women in a humanitarian reception center: a qualitative study.

The European Union receives thousands of irregular migrants and refugees annually. Irregular migrant women are admitted to Humanitarian Reception Centers. These migrants face multiple adversities on their migration journey, and resilience is key to coping with process. The aim of this study was to describe and understand irregular migrant women's experience of resilience when living in humanitarian reception centers. Descriptive qualitative study. In-depth interviews and a focus group were carried out with 21 migrant women from different African countries, with an average age of 31.8 years. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data using ATLAS.ti computer software. Three main themes emerged: (1) Irregular migrant women in transit: extreme vulnerability. (2) Migration support networks. (3) Promoting irregular migrant women's resilience. The harshness of the migration process tests the resilience of irregular migrant women, who are a vulnerable group at high risk of social exclusion. Their time in humanitarian reception centers is significant in their process of developing resilient behaviors. The multidisciplinary resources of the humanitarian reception center help the irregular migrant women in their personal development.

Cultural Reproduction and Religious Traditions Among Banyumas Migrant Communities Within the NGAPAK Population in The Provinces of Lampung and East Kalimantan

Understanding the perpetuation of cultural and religious traditions among Banyumasan migrant communities presents a multifaceted challenge, necessitating a profound comprehension of Banyumasan cultural and religious norms, the migratory journey to regions such as Lampung and Kalimantan, and the intricate dynamics of cultural transmission. Meticulous research yields the following conclusions: Firstly, Banyumasan culture encompasses communities in Banjarnegara, Purbalingga, Banyumas, Cilacap, Kebumen, Tegal, and Brebes, characterized by the prevalent Ngapak dialect of Javanese. Rooted in language, values, traditions, and rituals, Banyumasan culture reflects egalitarianism, directness, and harmony, emblematic of the wong cilik community. Secondly, a significant number of Banyumasan individuals historically migrated to various parts of Indonesia, notably Lampung and Kalimantan, initially for colonial-era labor needs and later to alleviate population pressures and enhance economic prospects during the New Order era. Thirdly, migration fosters extensive interactions between Banyumasan migrants and host communities, involving a nuanced negotiation process wherein individuals balance preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to new surroundings. The outcome depends on effective communication strategies to convey Banyumasan cultural identity amidst diverse host cultures.

Social and emotional well-being intervention to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression among Ukrainian refugees resettled in Massachusetts.

Mental health problems are high among refugees due to their traumatic experiences of fleeing war and witnessing disasters and deaths due to violence and conflict. Refugees are exposed to various socio-cultural stressors during their migration journey before, during, and after arriving at the host country, which may increase their risk of mental health problems. Strength-based interventions may be beneficial to address their socio-cultural and psychological stressors by strengthening individual's strengths to address their problems. This study evaluated the effect of a Social and Emotional Wellbeing intervention on mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression) and emotional health outcomes (coping, self-efficacy, social support, and conflict resolution) among Ukrainian refugees in Massachusetts. We implemented intervention (once-weekly/5-week) among 31 Ukrainian refugees with pre-and post-assessment of mental and emotional health outcomes (2022-2023). The intervention consisted 5-module: managing stress and mind-body exercise, strengthening communication and social networking, problem-solving, and creating a healthy family environment. Validated scales were used to measure mental and emotional health outcomes, such as the Hopkins-Symptom-Checklist-25 for anxiety and depression and the Cohen-Perceived-Stress scale for stress. Paired t-test was used for data analysis. The pre versus post-intervention proportion reduced for anxiety (61.29% vs. 22.58%) and depression (58.06% vs. 22.58%). The mean scores significantly decreased from pre- to post-intervention by 6.26 points for stress, by 7.07 points for anxiety, and by 6.29 points for depression (both p's < .01). The mean scores significantly increased for coping (by 15.71), emotion-focused engagement (4.48), problem-focused engagement (4.80), social support (8.77), problem-focused coping self-efficacy (14.93), stop unpleasant emotions and thoughts (12.74), and friends networking (3.48; all p's < .01). The stress, anxiety, and depression were reduced, and coping, self-efficacy, and social support networking skills were improved among Ukrainians after intervention. This program should be replicated in the larger community for a wider benefit.

Drivers of return of Sri Lankan migrants in the skill spectrum from the Gulf region

For Sri Lankan migrant workers in the Gulf region, returning home is an irrevocable aspect of their migration journeys as Gulf countries do not provide any pathways for permanent settlement. However, the circumstances surrounding their return vary from one migrant worker to another and depend on a range of interconnected and interdependent factors. This paper, based on a survey of 205 returnee migrant workers and in-depth interviews with 21 returnees, assesses these reasons for return.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in refugees and therapeutic interventions based on cognitive behavioral approach: A systematic review

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is connected with the experience of traumatic events and is significantly related to war and forced displacement. Refugee populations are characterized by a high degree of vulnerability for the development of PTSD, as they are confronted with stressors associated with all three distinct phases of migratory journey. The present article is an attempt to systematic review the therapeutic interventions based on the Cognitive Behavioral Approach and applied to refugees diagnosed with PTSD. For this reason, a review of the international literature was carried out through the electronic databases: Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct. Forty (40) studies were identified, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. According to the results of the review, the most common interventions are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Readaptation (EMDR). More specifically, CBT helps the individual to understand and reexamine the negative thoughts and feelings caused by the traumatic event, resulting in a reduction of symptoms and an improvement in quality of life. Following, NET supports that when a person talks about the traumatic events by placing them in a chronological continuity, they can gradually redefine the negative associations and responses related with the trauma. Finally, EMDR focuses on memory and how memories are stored in the brain. Its purpose is to reduce the intensity of the emotions associated with the traumatic event when it is recalled. All of those three approaches appear to have been studied and to yield reliable results. Other forms of therapeutic interventions are limited due to methodological issues as well as due to adopting standardized approaches that do not allow for an in depth understanding of trauma in refugee population. Further investigation of the long-term symptoms of trauma in refugees is suggested, in order to draw firm conclusions.

‘I found everything in them’: Formation of migrant networks and social capital

AbstractThis paper explores the issue of creation of migrant networks in different contexts along the Eastern Mediterranean route and the Balkans. Drawing on 27 qualitative interviews and ethnographic fieldwork, it uncovers the information about migration journeys and the ways how social capital is transferred among migrants. The paper sheds light on the role of social networks, their influence on strategies, behaviour patterns and resource allocation during migration. The findings underscore different benefits of using migrant networks, highlighting their role in providing crucial support as well as increasing safety and supporting migrants' well‐being. Moreover, the shared identity forged through these networks enhances migrants' resilience, empowering migrants to navigate challenges more effectively. These empirical findings challenge the narratives of migration being individualistic and contribute to the literature on creation, dynamics, and benefits of networks of irregular transit migration, highlighting the differences from other migrant networks.

Trauma-informed care for unaccompanied children: Lessons learned for practice and policy development.

The number of unaccompanied children (UC) arriving in the United States has increased significantly in recent years. UC often encounter traumatic events in their home country, during their migration journey, and upon resettlement. This article describes a congressionally-funded initiative to provide trauma-informed mental health services to UC and children separated from their parents upon arrival in the United States. It also identifies facilitators and barriers to working with UC and offers lessons learned to help inform future practice and policy development aimed at assisting this vulnerable population. Data were derived from qualitative interviews and a survey administered to grantees. In total, grantees served 1,195 youth and families across 11 states, including UC, asylees, and new immigrants during the period of December 2018 through September 2019. Youth and families served spoke 16 languages and originated from diverse nations. Services provided included direct services to youth and families; training for providers and community members; partnerships and collaborations; and resource/product development or adaptations. Lessons learned and recommendations derived from this initiative can assist others interested in promoting trauma-informed practice and policies for migrant children and their families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Psycho-social Stressors Experienced by Young war Refugees in Developed Countries: A Scoping Review.

Refugees escaping political unrest and war are an especially vulnerable group. Arrival in high-income countries (HICs) is associated with a 'new type of war', as war refugees experience elevated rates of psycho-social and daily stressors. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine literature on psycho-social stressors amongst young war refugees in HICs and impact of stressors on intergenerational transmission of trauma within parent-child dyads. The secondary objectives are to identify the pre-migration versus post-migration stressors and provide a basis to inform future research projects that aim to lessen the burden of stress and inform evidence-based improvements in this population. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review Extension (PRISMA-ScR) guided the reporting of this review that was performed using a prescribed scoping review method. Extracted from five databases, 23 manuscripts published in 2010 or later met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: pre-migration stressors, migration journey stressors and uncertainty, and post-migration stressors. While post-migration environments can mitigate the health and well-being of war refugees, socio-cultural barriers that refugees often experience at the host country prevent or worsen their psycho-social recovery. To assist the success of war refugees in HICs, therapeutic interventions must follow an intersectional approach and there needs to be a wider application of trauma informed models of care. Findings of this review may help inform future intervention studies aiming to improve the psycho-social health of this population.

The Dynamics of Narrative Structure in Depicting the Repercussion of Migration Movements in Razan Naiem Almoghrabi’s Women of Wind

Writers of narrative fiction employ certain techniques in the structure of their literary works that reinforce the theme of the story. These techniques and narrative tools can be used in the various stages of the building block of the narration and enable the writers to manipulate such techniques in favor of producing certain images and ideas. Narrative voice, focalization, and interconnectedness of spatial and temporal presentations are among the most important tools available in the narrative structure of novels. Razan Naiem Almoghrabi in Women of Wind (2010) utilizes these techniques and tools available in narrative structure to depict the experiences of migrants from different nationalities who set out their migration from the shores of Libyan cities with the facilitation of human smugglers. The focus of this paper is on the effect of the narrative structure in portraying the mental and physical conditions of migrants. The major research question is how the narrative structure and techniques implemented in Women of Wind capture specific repercussion of migration movements. To depict a vivid portrayal of the suffering of migrants and the risks they encounter during their migration journey, Almoghrabi employs different narrators that allow the perception from different angles. The deployment of internal focalization through the eyes of one of characters, augmented the narration of subjective human experience. The intermingling of different voices and the nonlinear narration that shifts from one tempo-spatial presentation to another recreates in words the turbulent worlds of the characters in this novel.

Factors influencing job satisfaction and professional competencies in clinical practice among internationally educated nurses during the migration journey: Amixed-methods systematic review.

The increasing migration of internationally educated nurses (IENs) from developing to developed countries highlights the importance of implementing integration strategies that facilitate their workplace transition, leading to improved job satisfaction and professional competence. The mixed-methods systematic review aimed to synthesise the current literature on factors influencing job satisfaction and professional competencies among IENs throughout their transition process, including the pre-migration, migration, and post-migration periods. This study conducted a mixed-methods systematic review from 2013 to 2023, using the CINAHL, Scopus, and PubMed databases and employing a Population, Interventions, Comparisons, Outcomes (PICO) framework. Quality assessment employed the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and data analysis followed a convergent parallel design. Data synthesis was presented narratively, and the literature review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Out of 565 articles, eleven studies (eight qualitative, two quantitative, and one mixed-method) met the inclusion criteria. Three key themes that influenced job satisfaction and professional competencies among IENs were identified: pre-migration and pre-deployment demands, challenges in workplace integration, and post-migration career challenges and retention strategies. The study primarily focused on IENs recruited from developing countries, potentially limiting the generalisability of the findings to IENs from other regions or countries. Furthermore, the inclusion of nurses from developed countries who also migrated was limited in the available studies, which further restricts the applicability of the research findings. It is essential to reconsider the pre-migration language requirements and evaluate the feasibility of completing them during the integration period to enhance the job satisfaction and professional competencies of IENs. Additionally, key factors for improving job satisfaction among IENs include providing personalised support, addressing managerial barriers, facilitating career advancement, efficiently managing workloads, and promoting effective communication within the healthcare team.

Stuck in a whirlpool? The role of hope and despair in dealing with risks during Afghan migration journeys

Abstract Migration journeys are full of risk, navigated not just by physical obstacles but also by emotional tides. This study explores how the fluctuation of hope and despair plays a role in dealing with risks. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with Afghans in Turkey, this paper demonstrates that hope and despair fluctuate along migration journeys contingent upon three elements: (1) empirical evidence about the future, (2) (un)certainty and potential in the future, and (3) the agency or capability to act. The research finds that hope arises when the future is perceived as uncertain, offering individuals alternative pathways and restoring a sense of agency by transforming uncertainty into potentiality. Conversely, despair sets in when individuals perceive their near future as certain, devoid of alternatives. This sense of certainty about the near future leaves migrants feeling trapped, akin to being stuck in a whirlpool.

A Qualitative Insight into Pre-Departure Orientation Training for Aspiring Nepalese Migrant Workers.

Pre-departure orientation training (PDOT) can help equip aspiring migrant workers with skills and knowledge to mitigate vulnerabilities throughout their migration journey, including health. In Nepal, PDOT has been mandatory since 2004 for migrant workers awaiting labour permits. The current PDOT programme includes country-specific information as well as health and well-being advice. However, the views of trainees and trainers on PDOT are largely unknown. This qualitative study aims to explore perceptions of migrant workers and relevant stakeholders on the content and delivery of PDOT. Six focus group discussions and six in-depth interviews were conducted with migrants, and eight interviews with key stakeholders were conducted. Thematic analysis resulted in five themes: (a) PDOT structure, accessibility, and implementation; (b) role of stakeholders in labour migration process; (c) coordination and governance; (d) curriculum development and relevance; and (e) capacity of trainers and effectiveness of training. Our findings emphasise the need for a more tailored curriculum with relevant information, education, and communication resources, possibly with input from former migrant workers. Regular updates of training topics and resources, as well as continued engagement with migrants after their employment, are essential for meeting the dynamic demands of the global employment market.

Assessment of Suicide Risk and Cultural Considerations in Forcibly Displaced Migrant Youth

Migrant youth who face forced displacement from their home countries have an emergent mental health burden, placing them at increased suicide risk. As such, it is crucial for pediatric providers to include suicide screening and assessment in their care for this population. Migrant families seek safety but, in many cases, encounter adverse events and psychosocial inequities in the migration journey and in the host community. Factors such as trauma, acculturative stress, and intersectionality influence suicide risk in migrants. Summative traumatic events contribute to the mental health load and worsen suicidal outcomes in migrant youth. Acculturative stress can lead to social marginalization in the host country, further adding to the existing mental health burden. Finally, intersectionality encompasses complex sociocultural influences, which shape the development of cultural identity in migrant youth and influence suicide risk. By examining these factors, the author advances cultural considerations in screening and assessment for suicide risk in migrant youth through evidence-based tools in pediatric clinical practice. Barriers to access to mental health services, stigma, and distrust of the health care system within the host community are also addressed. The author establishes recommendations for early suicide screening and prevention within this population through trauma-informed care, active advocacy, and cultural sensitivity.

‘Europe was a dream for me. This dream came true but remains unfulfilled at the same time’: Navigating life aspirations among forced migrants in Austria and Italy

Abstract In this article, we analyse the interplay between forced migrants’ retrospective expectations and their current experiences in the host country, and how this interaction informs their aspirations in relation to their potential life trajectories. By zooming in on the Austrian and Italian cases derived from qualitative data, this article investigates forced migrants’ retrospective perspectives on the ‘good life’ in (imagined) Europe and their experienced-informed perspectives of the host country context—reception policies—after migration by tracing individuals’ self-reported perceptions of life aspirations over the course of their migration journey. By applying the aspirations-capability framework, our analysis traces what ‘happens’ after people have submitted their asylum applications. In this way, this research sheds light on the process of adapting to a new context with gravely restricted capabilities and how this affects people’s life aspirations. By doing so, we demonstrate that aspirations are not only dynamic and flexible, but capabilities also change due to the structural confines of national asylum procedures. This study therefore brings an innovative perspective to study life aspirations and capabilities by showing the importance of reflecting not only aspirations but also the (in)capability of acting in the present which informs the process of revisiting original life aspirations for individuals seeking asylum. This process begins after the arrival, based on changes in their capabilities, specifically the national asylum structures that confine them.

Review of Cloud Migration Strategies: Exploring Advantages, Challenges and Cost Analysis

Cloud migration has emerged as a strategic im- perative for organizations seeking to leverage the scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiencies offered by cloud computing. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of organizational cloud migration strategies, focusing on the advantages, challenges, and cost analysis associated with this transformative process. The study begins by elucidating the conceptual framework of cloud migration, delineating its fundamental principles and terminolo- gies. Subsequently, it delves into the myriad advantages that com- pel organizations to migrate from on-premises infrastructures to cloud-based solutions. These advantages include enhanced scalability, improved resource utilization, and accelerated time- to-market for new initiatives. However, the migration journey is fraught with challenges, ranging from data security concerns to compatibility issues with legacy systems. This paper meticulously examines these challenges and elucidates strategies employed by organizations to overcome them, thereby ensuring a smooth tran- sition to the cloud. Cost analysis constitutes a pivotal aspect of cloud migration decision-making. This study offers insights into the cost implications associated with various cloud deployment models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). By conducting a comparative analysis of capital expenditures (CapEx) and op- erational expenditures (OpEx) incurred in both on-premises and cloud environments, organizations can make informed decisions regarding cost optimization and resource allocation. Further- more, the paper explores the critical considerations surrounding data security, regulatory compliance, and vendor selection in the context of cloud migration. Real-world case studies are presented to illustrate successful migration strategies adopted by leading organizations across diverse industries. Keywords —Cloud migration, Cost analysis, Strategies, Re- hosting, Replatforming, Refactoring, Repurchasing, Retiring, Retaining

"Nobody does checkups back there": A qualitative study of refugees' healthcare needs in the United States from stakeholders' perspectives.

The number of refugees globally grew to 35.3 million in 2022, and many refugees are exposed to various health risks along their migration journey. As a result, they may arrive in host communities with numerous health issues, including communicable diseases and chronic and mental health conditions. Navigating the healthcare system in a host country proves to be a significant challenge for them, leading to delayed care. This qualitative study explored the convolute healthcare needs of refugees in the United States by soliciting insights from stakeholders involved in refugee resettlement and healthcare. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen stakeholders who work closely with refugees, including healthcare providers, cultural/clinical health navigators supporting refugees, staff from refugee resettlement agencies and governmental entities, and researchers studying refugee health. Following informed consent, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and imported into MAXQDA 2022 (VERBI Software) for thematic analysis. The results revealed key themes, including the heterogeneity of refugee populations, limited awareness of preventive healthcare, high prevalence and suboptimal management of chronic conditions, complexity of the healthcare system, lack of follow-up, and language barriers. Further research is warranted concerning the long-term health of refugee populations in the United States. Additionally, more tailored programs involving peer educators are recommended to support refugee communities in navigating the complex healthcare system in the host country.

On the physiology of high-altitude flight and altitudinal migration in birds.

Many bird species fly at high altitudes for short periods and/or shift seasonally in altitude during migration, but little is known about the physiology of these behaviors. Transient high-altitude flight, or short-term flight at extreme altitudes, is a strategy used by lowland-native birds, often in the absence of topographic barriers. Altitudinal migration, or seasonal roundtrip movement in altitude between the breeding and non-breeding seasons, is a form of migration that occurs as a regular part of the annual cycle and results in periods of seasonal residency at high altitudes. Despite their nuanced differences, these two behaviors share a common challenge: Exposure to reduced oxygen environments during at least part of the migratory journey. In this perspective piece, we compare what is known about the physiology of oxygen transport during transient high-altitude flight and altitudinal migration by highlighting case studies and recent conceptual advances from work on captive and wild birds. We aim to open avenues for integrative research on the ecology, evolution, and physiology of high-flying and mountain-climbing birds.

Fleeing Ukraine: The Forced Migration Journeys of Black African Students

This study utilizes qualitative interview data to chronicle the migration journeys of 15 Black African international students who escaped the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. This research addresses a literature gap related to the vulnerabilities and challenges experienced by non-national minorities in times of crisis. While the migration journey out of Ukraine was difficult for both nationals and non-nationals, interview data highlights how Black African international students faced specific obstacles related to their foreignness and race. Their problems frequently centered on accessing information, decision making, and experiencing racial discrimination.

Cultural Dynamics of Irregular Ethiopian Migration: Insights From Kembata Emigrants to the Republic of South Africa

Executive Summary This paper examines the cultural influences on irregular migration to South Africa from the Kembata-Tembaro Zone of Ethiopia. It reports on a mixed methods study, with a cross-sectional household survey ( n = 316) to examine indicators about society’s perceptions, cultural values, and the impact of remittances on migration. In-depth interviews ( n = 24) with migrant returnees and experts in the Kembata-Tembaro Zone Labor and Social Affairs Office explored their experiences and perceptions of irregular migration. The study established a connection between cultural influences and irregular migration of Ethiopians to the Republic of South Africa. Overall, the study demonstrates that the culture of migration among the Kembatas is primarily driven by a cumulative migration experience facilitated through migrant social networks. Economic incentives, such as prospects of better income and improved living conditions, are the main drivers for individuals to embark on this migratory journey. In addition, social factors, including familial networks, community ties, and remittances from migrants, significantly influence households’ attitudes toward migration. The paper ends with recommendations to address the problems related to irregular Ethiopian migration to South Africa, to enhance the well-being of Kembata emigrants, and to maximize the benefits of migration.