Shifting Diaspora Policies toward Integration in the Country of Destination
This chapter explains the rationale behind the Mexican government’s gradual shift in discourse to make integration a priority goal of its diaspora policies. It also draws on examples of other Latin American governments that have begun to adopt similar policies or language. Compared to more widespread diaspora engagement strategies focused on development, these origin-country-led integration and social protection programs arise in a highly specific context responding to three main factors: first, the large percentage of Latin American migrants that is undocumented; second, the context of the country of destination, specifically the political discourse and the resources deployed to support or limit services for immigrants; and third, the strategic role of these policies as diplomatic tools, in the context of bilateral relations with both the destination country and other countries whose populations share similar challenges.