The number of Americans moving into Mexico has been increasing, according to data from the Mexican government.
Between January and the first four months of Mexico’s financial year (January 1 to December 31, 2023-2024), there was a roughly 50% rise in the number of American migrants heading south.
During this period, more men from the U.S. crossed the border into Mexico than women. Specifically, 407 males and 218 females made the move in 2023.
Reasons why Americans are relocating to Mexico, either permanently or temporarily, include lower rent, property costs, healthcare expenses, and overall cost of living. Mexico provides a more affordable lifestyle concerning utilities, internet, transportation, employment opportunities, and easier access to work permits for families as well.
Despite the inflow of migrants into Mexico, concerns persist in the U.S regarding illegal immigration from south of the border. President Joe Biden issued an executive order to halt asylum processing between border entry points when daily migrant crossings exceed 2,500, and resume them when the numbers fall below 1,500.
Following this order, there was a surge of 4,000 migrant apprehensions by U.S. border agents on June 5. The numbers of daily encounters remained high in subsequent days.
Despite President Biden’s strategy, challenges lie ahead. Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union are prepared to contest any order that they believe could negatively impact asylum seekers or fail to improve immigration protocols under congressional monitoring.
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, elected on June 2, remains a relative unknown in terms of her immigration policy. Her leadership transition comes amid concerns about Mexico’s relations with the U.S. and the ongoing battles with organized crime and drug cartels.
Despite ongoing challenges, Mexico must navigate its ties with the U.S., including fulfilling deportation requests and cooperating with U.S. authorities on behind-the-scenes agreements, like the busing program used to transport migrants back across the border.
The upcoming U.S. election will undoubtedly affect the tone and language surrounding their collaboration with Mexico.