2- Editorial. Critical Perspectives on Human Mobilities

Migrations are commonly described as diverse, complex, multiple, and ever evolving. However, understanding these phenomena can be challenging. Among other virtues, this issue of UNAM Internacional provides a valuable opportunity to explore various dimensions of human mobility in a contemporary context: a subject that remains deeply rooted in Mexico’s past and present.

Who migrates and why? These questions are thoroughly explored in these pages. Many individuals migrate in search of better economic opportunities and improved life conditions, perhaps the best-known of its expressions. While some traditional migration routes remain active, they evolved with new characteristics, as Guillermo Castillo Ramírez discusses in his examination of migratory corridors from Central America to Mexico (p. 220). There are also other profiles of migrants that often go unnoticed. One such group is professionals, who, despite being perceived as privileged, can also encounter various challenges. This topic is addressed by Camelia Tigau (p. 60) and exemplified by Juan de Pablo’s personal trajectory (p. 340).

Recent expressions of mobility are linked to various forms of violence, including pervasive criminal activities in many regions. Other pushing factors include the implementation of largescale development projects and agricultural extractivism, which displace people from their lands, as demonstrated by Delphine Prunier (p. 328). A current global issue, also evident in Mexico, is the displacement of communities due to climate change, exemplified by the situation in El Bosque, Tabasco. This topic is explained by Clara Bermúdez-Tamayo, Belén González-Fonseca and Carlos Adrián Vargas Campos (p. 232).

Among the evolving patterns and dynamics of migration are the shifts in the demographic profiles of those involved. Rather than being predominantly male, migration now includes a significant presence of children, youth, and women. The texts by Eréndira Serrano (p. 36), Erika Erderly and Elise Russo (p. 210), and Juan Carlos Narváez (p. 44), and an interview with Alethia Fernández de la Reguera (p. 148), highlight these individuals who have increasingly taken on a more prominent role in recent years.

UNAM has long engaged with migration research, particularly through the work of academic institutions located near the borders. Mauricio Padrón Innamorato presents the socio-legal approach to border dynamics developed by the Northwest Station for Teaching and Research (ENID) of the Institute of Legal Research in Tijuana (p. 250). Additionally, Jorge Madrazo describes the laudable efforts undertaken by UNAM’s international offices in support of the Mexican diaspora in the United States (p. 256).

Numerous specific academic spaces have been established to address migration issues. The interview with Mario Luis Fuentes provides insight into the project “La UNAM en las fronteras” (UNAM at the Borders), which aims to highlight the extensive work our university is doing in relation to migration (p. 132). Mariana Aparicio discusses the professional training initiatives conducted by the Observatory of the Mexico-U.S. Bilateral Relationship (ORBEM), within the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences (p. 244). Marisol Franco Díaz reports on the research, teaching, outreach, and advocacy efforts of the University Seminar on Studies on International Displacement, Migration, Exile and Repatriation (SUDIMER), which involves participation from over 60 academic entities at UNAM (p. 300 and infographics on p. 304).

Addressing migrations at UNAM involves diverse perspectives and disciplines, including humanities, sciences and culture. A variety of artistic expressions allow us to understand, know, feel, listen to, be moved by, and grieve for these experiences. Graciela Martinez-Zalce reviews five films (p. 108), among them those of Aaraón Díaz Mendiburo, who also shares his journey towards documentary filmmaking (p. 122). Alejandro Mosqueda and Camelia Tigau propose an approach based on the work of poet José Olivarez (p. 182), and Alberto Foncerrada reflects on the collaborative experience between UNAM Chicago and the department of Literature and Reading Promotion (DLFL) in addressing migration from a literary perspective (p. 284).

The Enfoque section (p. 362) presents a comprehensive panorama of the diverse artistic expressions—film, music, dance, theater, performance, installation, and visual arts—that explore human mobility linking the university to human mobility.

Academic work on mobility extends beyond its traditional boundaries. Nowadays, it is acknowledged that pragmatic migration governance requires the participation of a diverse array of actors collaborating through various networks and alliances. This issue highlights the tireless efforts of both governmental and non-governmental organizations advocating for people on the move, as well as the alliances between academia and these entities. In this regard, Gastón Ernesto Passi Livacic reflects on the need to overcome the State’s monopoly on migratory management and narrates the experience of Sello Migrante (Migrant Seal), an innovative strategy for inter-institutional public migration management implemented in Chile (p. 88). Gerardo Talavera Cervantes highlights the exhaustive work of the Casa Refugiados Program, with which UNAM has collaborated through diverse alliances. Additionally, Rafael Barceló Durazo, consul of Mexico in Tucson, highlights the commendable collaborative efforts between academia and the public and social sectors (p. 74). The initiative focusing on mental health within the Health Wondows and Mobile Units is a Mexican government strategy implemented through the consular network. Silvia Morales Chainé, Isaura Angélica Lira Chávez, Alejandra López Montoya and María Gudelia Rangel Gómez share their experiences and the outcomes of UNAM’s involvement in the program, which has enhanced the technical capacity of the staff and provided support to individuals facing mental health challenges (p. 262).

The Experiencias section is enriched by a variety of contributions, illustrating how the university community is connected to migration issues in numerous ways. Bruno Miranda demonstrates how knowledge can be co-created through collaborative research with graduate and undergraduate students, who conducted ethnographic research at the borders, with the support of UNAM’s Program to Support Research Projects and Technological Innovation (PAPIIT). And as a way to truly understand the experience of migration, as well as adaptation to new cultures, we have testimonies of protagonists of student exchange programs promoted by UNAM. The words of mobile students vividly illustrate how migration can serve as a pivotal moment in their lives. The stories of those who have gone abroad— Edgar Alcántara Guerrero (p. 346), Karla Patricia Vargas Cruz (p. 350) and María Fernanda Cisneros (p. 356)—along with the experiences shared by those who have come to UNAM—interview with Zhang Yibo (p. 194)—exemplifies the profound impact such experiences can have, often changing people’s life.

There is no doubt that this issue of UNAM Internacional provides a broad overview of the various approaches, perspectives, and disciplines through which UNAM examines migrations. This topic resonates with me deeply, not only as a scholar of the subject, but also as a proud university professional and a migrant myself. Born in Argentina, next year I will have lived half my life in Mexico. It is truly impossible for me not to feel Mexican, regardless of whether I have been formally naturalized or not, whether my accent is too bold, or whether I drink mates unfailingly every morning. Over time, my tastes, habits, manners, and preferences have merged. Although I was once a strong advocate of Malbec, now it is difficult for me to choose between that or a blend from Valle de Guadalupe.

As a migrant, you often find yourself in a paradoxical situation. Who are you? Where are you from? How do you identify yourself? And how do others perceive you? When I visit Argentina, they tell me I speak Mexican, but when I take a taxi here in Mexico, they firmly assert: “You’re not from here,”” And I always think I wasn’t born here, but I am from here. I feel from here. Because a country and a society that welcomes you unavoidably becomes yours.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my migration process, encountering wonderful Mexican people throughout the years. Even though many of us migrate, the conditions in which we do it vary greatly. It is a fact that inequality exists among us, especially when it comes to race and nationality. As Cristina Oehmichen says, these invisible borders can be powerful, if not more so, than geographical borders.

Mexico and its people have a long-standing tradition of generosity in welcoming foreigners who arrive to this country for various reasons throughout history. Many of them come to Mexico to live here permanently, while others seek international protection through refugee status or obtain Mexican nationality. In this issue, Daniela Gleizer shares intriguing insights from the historical archives of the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the experiences of people who sought to understand their nationality amid shifting regulations that affected both foreigners and Mexican migrants who lost their Mexican nationality (p. 294). Her article recalls the #LaNacionalidaNoSeVe (you can’t see nationality) campaign, initiated by the Institute for Women in Migration (Imumi). This campaign aims to highlight human rights violations resulting from racial discrimination in Mexico, particularly concerning the rejection faced by individuals with darker skin tones. It illustrates how racial prejudices lead to generalized discrimination, racial violence, and a limited access to services and rights for migrants and asylum seekers, extending even to those who aren’t foreigners. Mexico’s diverse population defies a singular description, there is not a specific way of looking as or being Mexican, so it is essential to dismantle prejudices and discrimination based on appearance. The campaign featured statements such as: “Stop! I’m Mexican and I’m Indigenous,” “Stop! I’m Mexican of African Origin,” “Stop! I’m Mexican and I don’t know the national anthem.”

Nowadays it is common to encounter diverse accents, skin tones, and physiognomies on the streets of several Mexican locations. Embracing this diversity requires cultivating open-mindedness and empathy among all individuals. It is essential to move past the initial surprises that come with unfamiliarity and to dispel the suspicions that accompany the unknown. We can draw inspiration in the actions of Las Patronas, as highlighted in the interview with Norma Romero Vásquez (p. 164). Initially taken aback by the individuals on the train, whom some labeled “illegals”, they ultimately came to see them as no different from any other human being.

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