Return migration and cultural diversity in university students of a public Higher Education Institution

Introduction: migrant students returning to Mexico face various structural, economic, cultural and educational barriers. Their identity, formed in the United States, conflicts with the Mexican school system, which does not consider cultural and linguistic diversity. Young people face difficulties to integrate due to lack of resources, lack of knowledge of academic Spanish and lack of intercultural pedagogical strategies. In addition, they face social barriers such as isolation and discrimination. To achieve their integration, an inclusive educational system that involves the entire school community, promoting empowerment, is crucial.Objective: to identify the conditions of returning migrant and cultural diversity in university students of a public Higher Education InstitutionMethods: quantitative approach of exploratory, observational and transversal type, the instrument called “Questionnaire to identify the student population in conditions of vulnerability” designed by the Vice-Rectory and Academic Secretariat of the Veracruz Region of the Universidad Veracruzana, was applied in August and September 2024 to 2 363 students from various academic areas in the Veracruz Region.Results: 1,18 % reported having lived in another country, 28,57 % stated that it was a voluntary return, 17,86 % were forced by working conditions, 3,57 % due to situations of discrimination and 50 % reported others. Conclusions: this study provides a social panorama that should be addressed in a timely and efficient manner, promoting equity in education, addressing the specific needs of each student and ensuring that the entire university community efficiently concludes their studies and does not fall into a situation of educational lag or dropout.