Undocumented migration of Nicaraguan women to Costa Rica: principal reasons and strategies used to reach the “Costa Rican” dream

The main objective of this research paper is to determine the reasons and strategies used by Nicaraguan women to immigrate and reside in Costa Rica as undocumented laborers and to understand why this phenomenon occurs. The methodology techniques were gathering primary data through fieldwork, interviews, and focus group discussions with 30 undocumented Nicaraguan women living in Río Azúl San José de Costa Rica. Secondary data were obtained by reviewing literature and theories. The Push–Pull Theory and Network Theory were chosen to analyze the data collection. The findings and analyses of data show that the main reasons for women to migrate are the bad living situations that they had in Nicaragua, as well as issues in gender relations, such as intra-household violence, change in the family structure, and family expectations. The primary strategy used by women to migrate was the connection with migrants already in Costa Rica. They transmitted information about migration strategies, transportation, and documentation (obtaining valid or false permission or passports to cross the border). These networks also communicated information about employment and living conditions in Costa Rica. This information did create high expectations that became the pull factors to relocate. However, decision-making was influenced by family members rather than by women’s autonomy.