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About Me

 Leading action research for social impact 

Nancy Landa

Humanitarian Advisor & Migration Expert

I lead and advise research projects and humanitarian interventions for binational and international organizations. My expertise includes developing comprehensive analyses on the protection needs of migrants and forcibly displaced persons, and identifying critical gaps in public policies, programs, and actions. My work is informed by my own migrant background with lived experience in deportation, which fuels my passion to foster inclusive societies in times where this approach is most needed.

Social Media

Nancy's Journey

Learn about the lived experience of migration, advocacy, and research.


Deportation Experience

Nancy shares her perspective as an undocumented migrant, from her early life in Mexico to life after deportation.

Scholarly Publications

She has authored personal narrative essays and autoethnographic pieces that appear in various scholarly journals.

Media and Recognition

Her story is featured in publications like 'Dreamers' and cited by major media outlets including the Los Angeles Times.

Mundo Citizen Blog

Nancy documented her post-deportation journey and migration issues on her blog between 2012 and 2023.

Professional Background

Nancy holds a Master's in Global Migration from UCL and works as a Humanitarian Advisor and Migration Expert.

Advocacy and Impact

Her work continues to influence global discussions regarding migrant rights and systemic migration policy change.

News & Updates

PODCAST | Suelta Love

In this interview with Christian Chávez, I offered my perspective on migration and deportation, as well as the lived realities of those of us who have been caught in between borders, emphasizing the need for humane policies and collective responsibility. I also share advice for those at risk of deportation (May 2026).

INTERVIEW | Al Otro Lado: Defense, resilience and solidarity in the face of migrant vulnerability

In a conversation with Claudia Amaro (RJI Fellow), I discuss the work of Al Otro Lado, a legal and humanitarian organization supporting migrants in the U.S. and Mexico. I reflect on the work I lead for Al Otro Lado in Mexico City and share the personal and professional path that led me to this field (November 2025).

BOOK REVIEW | The Returned

The Returned (2025) is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of forced return to Mexico. Focusing on Mexicans who spent many years in the United States, the book examines their reintegration in Mexico City and the challenges they face—highlighting the vulnerability many returnees experience upon coming back. Read my book review (Spanish).

PUBLICATION | Education & Migration

My latest publication on access to higher education for migrants featured on Notas de Migración y Desigualdad. The paper was presented at El Colegio de México (Spanish) on August 2025.

PODCAST | Deportation, Return & Re-emigration

Claudia Masferrer speaks with Nancy Landa about the (re)integration of return migrants and the challenges to access social mobility in Mexico (Spanish interview, April 2024).

IN THE NEWS | "You hit a glass ceiling" 

In this interview with The World, later republished by several outlets (including KPBS), I discuss the challenges deportees in Mexico face in having their U.S. studies recognized—barriers that can prevent them from finding employment that matches their skills and/or continuing their education (July 2022).