The Effects of Mexican Maternal Migration on Children's Education and Social Opportunities: A Study of Both Sides of the Border

This research project examines the impact of Mexican maternal migration on the education, social opportunities, and migration aspirations of children left behind in Puebla and the children brought to or born in the New York City region. This study is a transnational, multi-sited comparative study that includes all members of what mothers consider to be their family, children's teachers and extended family. The feminization of Mexican migration to the United States is increasing, and more mothers who immigrate leave their children behind for long periods to be cared for by grandparents or relatives in Mexico who don't know how to read and write. This research project was conducted over an 18-month period and addresses the following questions: How do high levels of Mexican maternal migration affect the education, migration aspirations, and social opportunities of the children left behind and their siblings born in or brought to the U.S.? How might the effects vary by gender?