Haitian Migrants in Tijuana: Emergence and Consolidation of the First Afro-descendant Community in Northern Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine whether the Haitian migrants who arrived in Tijuana since 2016 have established themselves permanently and whether this has led to the consolidation of the first Afro-descendant community in northern Mexico. To this end, a survey and semi-structured interviews were designed and implemented to gather information on their settlement and integration with the local community. This was measured by their ability to integrate socially and economically, the practice of their own culture and the incorporation of elements of the local culture, as well as satisfaction with employment, salary, and the capacity and intention to acquire movable and immovable property. The study concludes that there are elements confirming the consolidation of the Haitian community, which also positions Tijuana as one of the Mexican cities with the greatest social and cultural diversity.