A new book, The Search for Home among Forced Migrants and Refugees: People on the Move, edited by our University president, Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre, was just published on November 8, 2024. This book explores the role of “home” in the lives of displaced people, including voluntary and forced migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people and temporary workers.
For displaced people, home is something lost, longed for and sometimes found anew. It is a community of people in an environment of relationships and a physical dwelling that provides a sense of safety, security, hope and belonging. Much of the efforts of refugees, migrants and exiles are devoted to rebuilding a home, through a combination of personal effort and collaboration with the political and social environment of the host community. Dr. Maria Sophia Aguirre and Dr. Antonio Argandoña bring together an interdisciplinary collection of contributors to analyze these challenges through the lenses of economics, law, sociology, psychology, communications, management and political science. The book offers numerous suggestions for assistance aimed not only at resolving the short-term problems of displaced people but also at ensuring their human dignity.
This volume will be a valuable resource for students and scholars of the sociology of migration and of public policy related to the management of migrants. Congratulations, Dr. Aguirre!