Guatemalan Refugees in Mexico, 1980-1984

This report deals with the situation of Guatemalan refugees in Mexico in the period of 1980-1984. After reviewing conditions of the Guatemalan refugees, the author points out that Mexico is worried by the possible political and economic repercussions of an open door policy towards the thousands of impoverished Guatemalans fleeing widespread violence and repression in their country. Moreover, the proximity of the conflict in Central America, poor relations with the Guatemalan government, and border crossings by the Guatemalan military, all contribute to Mexico's concern that it may become entangled in the Central American conflict. Although in general the Mexican open-door policy towards persecuted people has been maintained with the Guatemalan refugees, their situation remains critical after more than three years since the beginning of their massive flight to Chiapas. Within this context and in recognition of the fact that repatriation is not now the solution to the Guatemalan refugee problems. The Mexican government has used varying degrees of force particularly in order to bring about the relocation of dissident refugees.