Abstract
This paper sheds light on the consequences of deportation on Mexican deportees, and, more importantly, it reveals, through the use of the notion of ‘multi-layered deprivation,’ the structural mechanism behind the obstacles and distress they experience, which are caused by a restrictive immigration regime. Such a mechanism of multiple deprivation occurs in two stages. The first stage takes place when restrictive border controls deprive undocumented immigrants of free mobility across the border, which leads to the consolidation of immigrants' settlements within the United States. Through this settlement process, many immigrants put down roots in American society and, due to a lack of free mobility, gradually lose close contact with their family in Mexico. This creates a fragile social relationship in their trans-national social space. The second stage occurs when the actual deportation occurs. In addition to the severe material and social deprivation caused by the deportation, the loss of social capital in Mexico that was caused in the first stage may result in further marginalization for the deported returnees.
