Abstract

MENDOZA, Cristóbal. Mental Maps, Sense of Place and Migration: The Mexican Community in Albuquerque (Nuevo Mexico). Cuad. Geogr. Rev. Colomb. Geogr. [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.2, pp.29-43. ISSN 0121-215X.

This essay explores the experiences and representations of places, as well as the sense of place, in order to understand the migratory and decision-making processes of Mexican immigrants in Albuquerque (New Mexico). Methodologically, the article focuses on an analysis of immigrants' mental maps and spatial discourses. As for the results, the strongest senses of place are found at the micro level, where identification with public spaces is associated with radical changes in the immigrants' lives. Finally, the representations of Mexico and the United States are key to understanding immigrants' intentions regarding their length of stay.

Keywords : Albuquerque; place; mental maps; Mexican migration; migration processes; sense of place.

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