The term ‘mixed migration’ was introduced to encompass more than just the traditional refugee situation. It usually leads to the idea of decomposing mixed flows into groups that do and do not merit international protection. This text argues that the social reality commonly referred to as ‘mixed migration’ is actually a cumulative process of forced migration. Based on survey and autobiographical data, it is demonstrated that violence in various forms and degrees is a constant feature of ‘mixed movements’ of people who are forced to leave their homes. ‘Forced migration’ more accurately characterizes the long-lasting disruption to individuals’ or groups’ residential lives driven by a significant degree of perceived life-threatening coercion caused by ethno-racial, religious, ethnic, political, gender-based harassment or natural disasters. While violence and persecution may not be the sole or unique initial cause of leaving one’s home, a certain degree of coercion and threat to life is always present throughout the migration process. After discussing the ambiguity of the concept of ‘mixed migration’, the mechanisms of forced migration are demonstrated using data from a mixed-methods research project comparing four relevant transit countries: Colombia, Jordan, Mexico and Turkey. Finally, the conclusions and policy recommendations are presented.
Ludger Pries (2026) studied this question.