As part of the Winter Lecture series ‘Migrations in Latin America: Narratives, Emotions, and Spatial Practices’ 2025/26 organized by the Zentralinstitut für Lateinamerikanische Studien (ZILAS) at the Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Dr. Susanne Willers presented the results of the ForMOVe II field research conducted in Mexico and Colombia.

In her talk, she analyzed the processes of forced migration in these countries, which are important reception and transit hubs, and which have experienced intensified regional mobility since the onset of the pandemic. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and biographical interviews, the presentation analyzed the experiences of forced migrants from an intersectional perspective, focusing on gender and violence throughout the life course. While Mexico's progressive refugee laws coexist with deterrence and securitization strategies, Colombia presents a different picture. Main challenges include obstacles to labor market integration in local reception contexts and the presence of organized crime.

The analysis shows how migrants make decisions to stay, settle or move on under the current circumstances of restrictions and limited opportunities. It highlights current challenges and possible actions to improve reception and permanent settlement conditions.

Further information can be found in the attached brochure.