Deportation experiences of women who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico

Qual Health Res. 2012 Apr;22(4):499-510. doi: 10.1177/1049732311422238. Epub 2011 Sep 13.

Abstract

Deportation from the United States for drug offenses is common, yet the consequences of deportation for women drug users are poorly documented. In 2008, in Tijuana, Mexico, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study of migration, deportation, and drug abuse by interviewing 12 Mexican injection-drug-using women reporting U.S. deportation. Women reported heavy drug use before and after deportation, but greater financial instability and physical danger following deportation than when in the United States. We identified an unmet need for health and social services among deported drug-using women, including HIV prevention, drug treatment, physical and mental health services, and vocational training. Binational coordination is needed to help deported women resettle in Mexico.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Emigration and Immigration / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Injections*
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Qualitative Research
  • Sexuality
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • United States
  • Women's Health / legislation & jurisprudence*

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs