Migratory Transit Spaces and the Acquisition of Physical Disability: The Case of Central American Migrants in Mexico

Abstract

The following article has the objective of treating the agents present in Mexican transitory space of Central American migration, which are associated to the risk of acquiring physical disabilities. The present paper analyzes the importance of physical disabilities as factors for creating vulnerability and personal migratory projects. The research is based on interviews undertaken with Central American migrants concerning their experience of passing through Mexico. Four agents are related to the acquisition of physical disabilities: organized crime, Mexican state agents, private security and gangs. It is also shown that the acquisition of a physical disability during the migratory journey is not necessarily related to the increase of a person’s vulnerability.