The Deportation Machine: Deportation and Return in the US-El Salvador Transnation

This is among the first books to explore the post-deportation life trajectories of noncitizens removed from the United States by formal deportation. It utilizes a novel transnational framework to examine the case of deportation to El Salvador, a country significantly impacted by high volumes of removals in recent decades. Dingeman-Cerda offers the first comprehensive theory of deportee re/integration. It also provides a unique comparative analysis of the migration, deportation, and re/integration experiences of deportees claiming different national and with different histories of criminalization, including non-criminal immigration violations, misdemeanors, and violent gang offenses.

This book shows that despite divergent re/integration trajectories, mass deportation does not stop a migratory cycle in the Americas. A very high percentage of deportees return to the United States after deportation. Dingeman-Cerda argues for a humanization of migrants and deportees and consideration of more ethical and effective means to manage immigration to the U.S. and re/integrate deportees abroad.

This book would be of interest to a broad readership, including migration and immigration scholars, legal and social work professionals, and students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Similar processes are occurring throughout the world, and this book sheds light on these ineffective practices.