Transfers of deceased migrants from United States to Michoacan, Mexico

Abstract

This research aims to identify the sociodemographic characteristics, causes of death, and distribution of the repatriations of remains made from the USA to the state of Michoacán in Mexico in the years 2005-2015, as well as to understand the meaning given to death and repatriation of the deceased by their relatives. Through a mixed methods research design, a descriptive analysis of the figures of returned people from Michoacan were analyzed, and the testimony of 3 relatives is included. The return of 2950 corpses of deceased migrants was identified. Amid the pain associated with death, being able to bury their family member helps them face death as a real event that they can verify, thereby mitigating part of the suffering of the mourners.

Keywords
migration; death; repatriation; loss; meaning