Surviving the Journey: The Hidden Health Crises of Migrant Women Seeking Asylum

The article explores the structural violence faced by migrant women like Anahi, a Honduran asylum seeker, highlighting the physical, mental, and social challenges encountered throughout their migration journey. It calls for comprehensive policy changes to improve healthcare, legal protections, and support for migrant women.

Research by Brenda K. Wilson, Cristina Calderon, Ash Cornejo, and Thomas J. Csordas from the University of California, San Diego, delves into the challenges faced by migrant women, focusing on the structural violence that impact their health and well-being throughout their asylum-seeking journeys. The study employs an ethnographic approach to examine the experience of a Honduran woman, Anahi, as she fled her home country to seek asylum in the United States. It presents a comprehensive analysis of how political, social, and economic forces limit the health and safety of migrant women at various stages, starting from their countries of origin, through their journeys, and continuing in their destination countries. By integrating the concept of structural violence, the research highlights the triple trauma paradigm that many migrant women face: trauma in their homeland, trauma during their migration, and continued trauma after they arrive in a new country.

Fleeing a Life of Violence and Instability

Anahi’s journey began in 2019 when she fled Honduras with her family due to gang violence, economic instability, and political unrest. In her case, the dangers were deeply rooted in the transnational gang violence that affected daily life in her neighborhood. After her partner was severely beaten by gang members, Anahi decided to leave her home country for the safety of her children. This decision was not a matter of choice but one forced by external circumstances. Her narrative is representative of many Central American migrants, particularly women, who are caught between life-threatening conditions at home and the perilous journey to seek a better life abroad. The political instability, compounded by economic deprivation and gang violence, made it impossible for Anahi and her family to remain in Honduras.

A Dangerous Journey in Search of Safety

The journey itself was fraught with risks. Anahi and her family endured numerous hardships, including physical exhaustion, dehydration, and a near-fatal illness of one of her children during the journey through Mexico. The structural violence they sought to escape in Honduras followed them during their migration, manifesting in new forms such as inadequate access to food, shelter, and healthcare, as well as the constant threat of violence from both criminal gangs and immigration authorities. At one point, Anahi’s son was hospitalized for severe dehydration, a stark example of how precarious and dangerous these journeys can be. Her decisions during the journey, such as when to separate from the migrant caravan and travel alone with her children, were guided by her desperation and instinct to protect her family, though this left them more vulnerable to exploitation and danger. The journey was marked by moments of kindness from strangers who offered food and transportation, but also by continuous uncertainty, fear, and exposure to harm.

New Challenges at the US Border

Upon reaching the United States, Anahi’s challenges did not end. She and her family were detained by immigration authorities, where she experienced a mental health crisis exacerbated by the conditions of detention. Structural violence took on new forms in the U.S., including economic insecurity, social exclusion, and limited access to healthcare. After being released with an ankle monitor, Anahi lived in constant fear of deportation, and the lack of access to legal assistance added to her distress. Although she had hoped to find safety and stability in the U.S., her experiences were characterized by continued uncertainty and fear. Her status as an undocumented migrant further limited her ability to secure stable employment and access necessary healthcare services, highlighting the ongoing structural inequalities faced by migrant women even after they reach their destination.

The Role of Racism and Xenophobia in Migration

The research emphasizes that Anahi’s story is not unique but is representative of the broader experiences of migrant women who face structural violence at every stage of their journey. The systemic barriers they encounter, from gang violence in their home countries to restrictive immigration policies in the U.S., create a cycle of trauma that undermines their physical and mental health. The lack of formal information on immigration procedures only adds to their vulnerability, forcing women like Anahi to rely on informal networks for guidance, which often leads them into more dangerous situations. Racism and xenophobia further compound the difficulties they face, both in transit and after relocation, making it harder for them to access the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Policy Recommendations for Better Support

The study concludes by calling for policy changes that address the unique needs of migrant women, particularly in terms of healthcare access, economic opportunities, and legal protections. It advocates for a more comprehensive understanding of women’s health that goes beyond reproductive issues and includes mental health, social well-being, and the impact of structural violence on their overall quality of life. Furthermore, the authors recommend improving access to work permits for asylum seekers, reforming detention policies, and providing better dissemination of immigration-related information. Anahi’s narrative underscores the urgency of these changes, as her story reveals how deeply structural violence is embedded in the migration process, leaving migrant women with few options for securing their health and safety. By focusing on the intersectional experiences of women like Anahi, the article provides valuable insights into the broader forces that shape the migration journeys of women and offers practical solutions to mitigate the health disparities they face.