Between Borders and Belief: Perspectives of Aid Workers on Religion in a Migrant Shelter in Mexico

This thesis seeks to understand the significance of religion in the Central American migration context through the eyes of humanitarian aid workers. It is based on interviews that I conducted in May of 2024 with staff members at a migrant shelter in Mexico, analysis of prior scholarship, and building upon an understanding of relevant religious history in Latin America. I will delve into trends that the aid workers observed in areas such as religious practices and beliefs of migrants, shelter functions that addressed and nurtured spiritual well-being, and the influence of the Church as an institution on humanitarian aid work. I believe that this work will encourage discussion and future studies about ways that humanitarian aid organizations can support the psychospiritual needs of the migrant populations that they are serving.