Subjective Well-being in Mexican Return Migrants

Various studies in recent years have examined the factors that create well-being in the migrant population, such as high wages and better employment opportunities. However, less attention has been paid to socio-cultural aspects that influence the subjective well-being (SWB) of returned migrants and are not necessarily associated with economic or material achievements. The aim of this paper is to describe subjective well-being (SWB) from the perspective of a group of Mexican migrants who were returned from the USA. Qualitative methods are used to examine the experiences of twelve return migrants: nine men and three women. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with an interview guide and analyzed using the categorization of meaning technique. The aims of the project were explained to all the subjects, who were asked for permission to record and publish the information. The results show that the migration experience was satisfactory in that it improved certain aspects of their lives. The main sources of subjective well-being are accomplishments, family reunification, construction of social networks, and voluntary work with organizations for return migrants. Using qualitative methodology enabled us to question statements that are not necessarily applicable to all cases, as happens with return migrants, who are usually associated with a failed migration project and therefore with a perception of dissatisfaction with their migration trajectory. This type of study can provide complementary information to weigh up the needs of migrants when they return and the issues that can be revisited and reassessed on the basis of the experiences and learning they bring with them.