Migrants remittances:and the force behind two nations
Remittances From The Mexican Migrant Population In
The
United States, A Reflection Of Injustice And Inequality In Mexico
SINCE THE 1980S, REMITTANCES HAVE ACQUIRED SPECIAL IMPORTANCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. LATIN AMERICA IS THE REGION THAT RECEIVES THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF REMITTANCES IN THE WORLD. ACCORDING TO WORLD BANK FORECASTS, THE GROWTH RATES OF GLOBAL REMITTANCES WERE BETWEEN 1.3 PERCENT AND 4.7 PERCENT FOR THE PERIOD 2015-2018.
by communities of origin (mainly in rural areas) and federal, state and municipal governments in paving projects. Despite not being a new phenomenon, efforts to institutionalize collective remittances are relatively recent. Along the same lines, the aforementioned public programs were published in the form of an official decree by the federal executive in Mexico in 2019, which established the target population for remittances as the localities selected by migrant organizations, giving priority to areas with a predominantly indigenous population, areas with a higher degree of marginalization or areas with high rates of violence, according to the mechanisms established by the Mexican Ministry of Welfare and those municipalities with a high degree of migratory intensity, according to national statistics from the International Migration Observatory, OMI, sponsored by the Mexican government. The Two for One and Three for One public programs are important examples of the need to create internal legal norms that promote the application of economic resources derived from individual and collective remittances in order to generate sustainable and continuous economic development, so that it can transcend the immediate needs of the recipients of these resources and thereby progressively break the circles of poverty and marginalization that persist in the communities of origin of Mexican migrants residing in the United States.
The Index (HHI) is a measure used in economics that provides information about the economic concentration of a market. It can also express the degree of lack of competition in an economic system.
For its part, Mexico is the country that receives the largest sum in remittances in Latin America; “remittances from the Mexican migrant population in the United States exceeded 40.6 billion US dollars in 2020, which is the largest figure of remittances received by Mexico since 1995, when Banxico (the Mexican central bank) began to keep records, despite the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Banxico, the vast majority of remittances came from the United States (95.5%), were sent via electronic transfer (98.9%) and were received through non-banking institutions (77.1%).” Despite the increase in remittances, the Herfindahl concentration indicator or Herfindahl and Hirschman Index (HHI) at the national level showed a dependence on the Gross Domestic Product in Mexico never seen since 2003 (3.8%), which underlines Mexico’s growing need for remittances. For 2023 as a whole, remittance outflows were $1.056 billion, a figure higher than the $883 million that occurred in 2022 and which represented an
annual increase of 19.5%.
The case of Mexico in relation to remittances stands out for three different reasons: first, remittances sent from the United States are among the highest in the world; second, migrant organizations in the United States are extremely active in sending collective remittances; and third, local and federal governments have generated specific public policies to promote them, which have served as a model for other countries, as Goldring has expressed. According to the Mexican Yearbook of Migration and Remittances, regarding the labor activity of Mexican migrants in the United States, it is estimated that 63% work 35 to 44 hours per week. The main occupations of Mexican immigrants in the United States are: laborers, transporters and specialized construction workers (25.6%), service workers (23.0%), construction and repair occupations (19.0%). Regarding the salaries they received, 44% of these immigrants earned below $30,000 per year. In addition, a higher proportion of the heads of households who receive remittances are women, have a basic level of education,
belong to older age groups and are looking for work, compared to heads of households who do not receive remittances.
In the Mexican case, not only individual or family remittances are important, but also collective remittances, which have gained great interest due to their potential to increase investment in public goods and productive projects that can have a greater impact on local development, which have a broader framework than the individual or family remittances we have reviewed.
We should point out that, although there is no global data on the flow of collective remittances, it is estimated that they represent around 5% of total remittances. As stated by the World Bank, through collective remittances, migrant associations around the world provide goods and services that satisfy community needs in education, health, electricity and communications, and which are directed, above all, to rural areas in their countries of origin.
Moctezuma and Pérez have defined collective remittances as “the creation of a savings and collective use fund that accounts for the extra-
territorial practices carried out by the migrant community, serving as a means to permanently keep the interest and bond of migrants towards their community of origin, in addition to promoting and strengthening the recovery of identities.”
One of the most relevant economic effects of collective remittances is that they offer the possibility of changing specific realities of the communities of origin in the future and not only providing means of survival or satisfaction in the immediate future. The social and political impact in favor of democracy is also observed, as Wadell mentions “through collective remittances in places where investment is made, these make it possible for people to become more involved in local government agendas and for alternation to occur.”
Continuing with the Mexican case, collective remittances are directly associated with some public policy programs such as Dos por Uno and Tres por Uno (Two for One and Three for One), which were originally developed in the state of Zacatecas and later extended to other states, and which consist of joint investment
Unlike the country under analysis, the World Bank demonstrated the drop in the behavior of international remittances for most regions of the world, caused by the impact generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to the closure of borders and the temporary and in some cases permanent closure of sources of work due to the shortage of supplies and restrictions by health authorities, among other factors. According to the Mexican Migration Yearbook, in the pandemic scenario in 2020, the states of the American Union that registered the highest number of deaths of the Mexican migrant population due to this virus were California, New York, Arizona, Illinois and Texas, concentrating 71% of the deaths. In California, the deaths of Mexican people represented 3.3% of the deaths in the state, while in Arizona it was 3.1%.
These states are where there is a greater concentration of the Mexican migrant population and where, in turn, the highest economic amounts of remittances to Mexico come from.
The review of the previous statistics on remittances offers an overview of the practice of this
phenomenon, in which Mexico is a country with great potential to generate a greater economic impact in its communities that receive remittances, both individual or family, as well as collective. It is therefore necessary to create internal legal norms that promote the application of economic resources derived from remittances, with the aim of generating sustainable and continued economic development in the regions receiving these resources. Certainly, when talking about remittances, the issue of economic inequality and its effects on the Mexican migrant population residing in the United States arises, where we find an evident violation of the human rights of this migrant population in this region of the American continent. Above all, regarding the human rights of justice and equality, which must be kept in mind when dealing with the international migration phenomenon and of course, without leaving aside the component of poverty that surrounds the forced mobility of human beings in search of better job opportunities. We recognize that the expansion of the economy is generally based on the reproduction of conditions of globalized economic inequality, which places remittances within the framework of the global political economy. These conditions of inequality are generated mainly by the indiscriminate use of cheap migrant labor in highly industrialized countries. Additionally, one of the main problems faced by Mexican migrants when making individual remittance transfers to Mexico is the fees for remittances, which are not regulated by the Mexican or United States’ governments to protect the migrants’ money so that it reaches their families safely. The truth is that the increase in remittances in Mexico reflects the deep economic need of thousands of Mexican families. Remittances are the result of a process of accumulation of disadvantages that progressively perpetuate inequality and consequently affect the enjoyment of human rights of Mexicans. Let us not forget that migrants, whatever their immigration status, contribute significantly and positively to their communities of origin and host communities, generating prosperity, knowledge, skills, innovation and sustainable development. Through remittances, migrants participate in and influence their communities of origin; this ability clearly unfolds trans-territorial effects of migration and represents an urgent call for States - mainly for the Mexican government - to enable conditions of equality and deep respect for human dignity in the sending of remittances.
Roxana Rosas Fregoso
CROSSING BORDERS, DEFENDING RIGHTS:
PRODECON’S MISSIONFOR MIGRANTS
In an exclusive interview for the Heraldo USA, Mr. Abel Salas, head of the Zacatecas delegation of the Consumer Defense Attorney’s Office (PRODECON), shared with us some of the actions carried out from that government unit, as part of the efforts so that citizens can improve their experience when entering the country with their products and their vehicles.
BY ALEJANDRA ICELA MARTÍNEZ
ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
DBasically, PRODECON will provide support and guidance services in case any of the taxpayers have problems introducing their goods or luggage. For some reason, the supervisory authority could withhold that merchandise.’
Spread, make known to all those migrants who enter the country what are their rights, what are the goods that are prohibited, what is the amount of the famous deductible they have to enter, apart from their luggage, the exemption allowance, which has a value of 500usd, by land or air, if they arrive by international flights, or if they arrive by vehicles.
is fundamental, and it lies in advising, assisting, and protecting taxpayers in complying with tax obligations. He emphasizes that “his work is merely social because all services are free,” from a simple orientation to register and start a business to the requirements to meet and how to pay your taxes. And he insists that one of the leading “functions of the attorney’s office is to protect taxpayers in acts that are possible violations of their rights.”
The prosecutor’s office has very broad powers. Let’s remember that Mexico is a highly migrant country, and several of the states have this characteristic: a large part of the population migrates to the neighboring northern country. The PRODECON official reminds us that “Zacatecas has a very high percentage of migrants, so the state government, in conjunction with other agencies, is deploying an operation at the national level, known as the Country Heroes program.”
This is why they consider that the prosecutor’s office plays a vital role of a preventive nature because “the issue of goods, luggage, for those people who enter the country by air or land, are subject to compliance with certain restrictions and certain mechanisms, that the tax provisions on foreign trade imply that they must be validated and, where appropriate, pay the respective tax for the entry of goods.” The above, only in case they exceed 500 USD. It is also important to emphasize that it is per person. If it is “a family that enters a vehicle, it is cumulative for each of the members of the family,” insists Mr. Salas.
Regarding the vehicle of foreign origin, it is necessary to have a temporary internment permit to introduce it to our country. Commonly, this is processed at the border when crossing the international bridge, through the BANJERCITO institution, or they can do it online. And with this permit, the vehicle is protected from circulating in the national territory for 180 days. “This permit protects them so they can circulate legally throughout the national territory. The internment permit must be closed once they conclude their vacation and return to their place of origin,” says the public servant.
Abel Salas insists on an essential point because if the vehicle suffers a theft, accident, or simply breaks down, and it is impossible to return it, there is a cause or a material and legal impossibility. So a procedure would have to be made, a notice, before the corresponding authority so that they know that the vehicle, for a reason unrelated to the migrant, because the car cannot be returned.
“Many times, due to some ignorance, our compatriots leave the vehicles in national territory as a gift because the family requires it. However, that hospitalization permit only covers 180 calendar days, which can be legal. If it is not returned, the authority will consider that that vehicle acquires the status of merchandise because it is illegal,” he warns, which will generate a high cost for the person who entered with that vehicle since the value of the car will be determined as if it were new.
Another procedure they guide people through is the regularization of vehicles of foreign origin under the protection of the decree still in force. If they do not comply with the characteristics for their regularization to be appropriate, “PRODECON can help them request the return of that amount because, in the end, the regularization process was not consummated and that use was paid,” points out the graduate Salas.
It is clear to us that PRODECON is dependent on citizens’ services. However, it would be interesting to know people’s perceptions of PRODECON related to its knowledge and the provision of its services. Although it exists and aims to support people, these services do not always have the desired scope, and coyotes and corruption continue to generate profits.
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FINANCIERA PARA EL BIENESTAR:
THE BOND THAT CONNECTS MIGRANTS TO MEXICO
Offering
tailored services for the Mexican community in the United States, this institution strengthens the impact of remittances and promotes financial inclusion on both sides of the border.
The Fourth Transformation brought a significant shift in the discourse surrounding the Mexican migrant community in the United States. This government initiative dignifies a community that sustains various economic sectors in the neighboring country and offers remittance alternatives that enhance their impact on the origin communities.
UIn 2020, Telecomm Telégrafos was rebranded as Financiera para el Bienestar (Finabien), marking the start of a new era focused on supporting remittance services, providing credit to micro and small enterprises in Mexico, and promoting savings. These initiatives have been reaffirmed under President Claudia Sheinbaum, as shared in an exclusive interview with Heraldo USA by Finabien’s director, María del Rocío Mejía Flores.
SUPPORTING REMITTANCES AND FOSTERING FINANCIAL INCLUSION
One of Finabien’s key priorities in its new phase is to be “a simple, secure, and cost-effective channel for remittance transfers while
promoting financial inclusion for the migrant community.” The Mexican government has provided a reliable alternative for remittance transfers for the first time, amplifying their impact on origin communities.
Remittances are more than just numbers: each transfer contributes to a child’s education, puts food on the table, or helps build a more dignified home. In 2023, Mexicans abroad sent $63.3 billion to Mexico, with 96% originating from the United States. This invaluable support transforms countless families’ realities.
In this bond between migrants and their homeland, Financiera para el Bienestar emerges as a strategic ally, empowering and supporting those sending a part of their hardearned money to their families in Mexico.
WHAT OPTIONS DOES FINABIEN OFFER FOR REMITTANCES?
With a network of over 1,700 branches in Mexico and partnerships with 40 remittance companies in the United States, Finabien provides two main remittance options: 1. Traditional remittance services: Migrants can visit any partnered agency and request their money be delivered through Telecomm, now Finabien. This method offers two advantages for recipients in Mexico: a better exchange rate and no fees for receiving funds.
“Get to know us, use us, send your remittances through Finabien, and trust us, your ally in Mexico.” – María del Rocío Mejía Flores, Director of Finabien.
This month, Financiera para el Bienestar partnered with Migrant Federal Deputies to promote its services among the Mexican community in the U.S.
President Claudia Sheinbaum recently announced that Finabien will support Mexico’s popular housing program and its integration with Banco del Bienestar in addition to its current responsibilities.
2. The Finabien USA Debit Card: A groundbreaking debit card that allows migrants to receive salaries up to $20,000 per month, make purchases, transfer funds, and manage expenses efficiently.
“This product eliminates barriers like banking discrimination and adapts to our compatriots’ needs,” says Mejía. Over 77,000 people have already acquired the card, free of charge at any of Mexico’s 53 consulates in the United States or online at www.tarjetafinabien.com/us/
Additionally, consulate applicants receive a Finabien Mexico Debit Card to manage expenses directly in Mexico, such as paying utility bills, ensuring that their work effort has the greatest possible impact.
Remittance transfers between these cards cost only $3.99 per transaction, making it one of the most competitive fees in the market.
CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR FINABIEN
Anti-immigrant rhetoric in the United States and political tensions from administration changes have also affected Financiera para el Bienestar. For instance, the Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Finabien’s first U.S. partner bank, ceased remittance operations in September 2024, prompting users to switch to Pathward Bank.
Only 7,000 of the 77,000 cards issued have migrated to Pathward. Finabien Director Mejía urges migrants to open new accounts via consulates or online to continue enjoying the card’s benefits.
With a potential Trump administration on the horizon, concerns about deportation and economic restrictions create uncertainty. However, Mejía emphasizes that this moment is when migrants should strengthen their ties with the institution.
“We are confident that if everyone knew about this product and the advantages offered by the Mexican government, they would all send their remittances through Financiera para el Bienestar,” she says.
Under President Sheinbaum, migrant communities in the United States will remain a top priority. In 2025, promotional campaigns will intensify to increase awareness of Finabien’s services.
FINABIEN STANDS WITH MIGRANTS
In recognition of International Migrants Day, celebrated annually on December 18, Financiera para el Bienestar reaffirms its mission as a trusted ally.
“To those in the U.S., we say: get to know us, use us, send your remittances through us, and know that you can trust Financiera para el Bienestar as your Mexican ally who defends your rights and ensures your family has access to these and many more services,” concludes Mejía.
Mexicans in the U.S. are a strong community that supports various economic sectors and contributes significantly to Mexico’s economy. Their remittances accounted for 3.7% of the GDP in 2023.
As such, Financiera para el Bienestar becomes a strategic partner—a symbol of trust, commitment, and hope to help build the Mexico we all strive for. For more information, visit www.gob. mx/finabien or contact the nearest consulate at the Financial Advisory Desks.
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION:
LINDA MCMAHON
Is founder, with her husband Vince McMahon, of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company, from which she stepped down as CEO in 2009 before running for a Connecticut seat in the Senate twice, in 2010 and 2012, losing both races. His husband left the company in January this year after allegations of sexual misconduct. McMahon served as head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term; the couple have been friends and prolific donors to the now president-elect. She has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit, now stayed pending a Ruling by the Supreme Court of Maryland, on child sexual abuse of ringside boys and girls by former WWE employees, a lawsuit she and her lawyers have calmed is baseless. Trump has expressed his intentions of axing the Department of Education and leaving decision-making to the states, expanding private school choice, rolling back on protection for transgender students, and limiting undocumented student’s right for a free education. During a rally in Pennsylvania in the 2020 campaign, Trump stated, “We will stop the radical indoctrination of our students and restore patriotic education in our schools”, and last October also said, “We will get critical race theory and transgender insanity the hell out of our schools”.
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE: HOWARD LUTNICK
Has been nominated to lead the Commerce Department. He is a financial services billionaire, CEO and chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald. The company’s offices were in New York City’s World Trade Center towers. In the September 11, 2001, attack, hundreds of the firm’s employees, among them his brother, were killed.
Trump has already declared he will impose on his first day in office, tariffs on goods imported into the U.S., calling out Mexico, Canda, and China specifically. The Commerce Department will play a key role in executing this agenda, with which Trump intends to address domestic economic problems he touted during his campaign, and which rendered him enough votes for victory, with the economy being the top priority issues for American voters.
Trump stated: “He will lead our Tariff and Trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative”.
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR:
MICHAEL WALTZ
War veteran and retired Army National Guard officer, currently serves as Republican congressman from east-central Florida. The position is important in foreign policy and security issues and does not require confirmation by the Senate. Waltz will be involved in urgent matters such as tensions in the Middle East, providing of weapons to Ukraine, and the alliance of Russia with North Korea. The Republican has also been labeled hawkish regarding China; a country Trump’s future administration will have to deal with in matters of trade, territorial claims in the South China Sea, cybersecurity and many other issues.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE:
CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
Lawyer and ambassador to Mexico under Trump, from 2019 to 2021, has been elected to be second in command to Marco Rubio, in what signals the importance of Mexico and Latin America to the U.S. foreign policy agenda. Landau lived part of his life in the region, which made him fluent in Spanish, while his father, a U.S. foreign service official, served as ambassador to Chile, Paraguay, and Venezuela. During his tenure as ambassador to Mexico he had a high social media presence and became somewhat of a celebrity in X, then Twitter, due to his friendly interactions, warmer than those of the institutional accounts of a government with a hostile view on immigration.
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR: DR. MEHMET OZ
Dr. Oz is a physician and television personality who’s made a career promoting health and wellness products on TV shows. He ran for Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 but lost to Democrat John Fetterman.
If confirmed by the Senate, Oz would oversee the country’s Medicare and Medicaid programs and manage federal health insurance for approximately 160 million Americans, as well as regulate private insurers. Democratic senators have raised concerns over Mehmet’s past statements promoting privatization of health insurance for U.S. senior citizens, as well as his deep financial ties with private health insurers.
AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL: MICHAEL HUCKABEE Father of current Arkansas’ governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as press secretary during Donald Trump’s first stint at the White House, and former (44th) governor of Arkansas himself. Mike Huckabee has been steadily pro-Israel throughout his career. He has praised Trump’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem and its acknowledgement as the capital, as well as recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory. Huckabee has also made it clear that the U.S. would support West Bank annexation by Israel, while rejecting the use of the word “settlements” for the Israel-backed occupation of that territory, which is illegal under international law.
CABINETPICKS
As a follow-up to our profiles of future cabinet members tapped by Donald Trump; here are some other outlines of the people who will be in charge of implementing his policies during his second term as president. While some issues are more closely linked to the U.S.-Mexico relation, events elsewhere in the world will deeply impact trade and migration issues between these two countries.
SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
KRISTI NOEM
Currently serves as the 33rd governor of South Dakota. Noem will be head of the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Secret Service. Kristi is a hardliner on border issues; Trump said she would be working closely with ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan and she would “guarantee that our American Homeland is secure from our adversaries”.
Noem received media attention because of her book: “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward” in which she wrote she had once shot her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, for being “untrainable” and not an ideal hunting dog. She’s a longstanding Trump loyalist
BY: DANIEL E. BENET ILUSTRATION: ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
FCC CHAIRMAN: BRENDAN CARR
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) “regulates interstate and international communications through cable, radio, television, satellite and wire. The goal of the Commission is to promote connectivity and ensure a robust and competitive market”. Brendan Carr is a Republican member of the commission and has been elected to lead it. Carr has declared the priorities on his agenda under the Trump administration are tech censorship and media issues, specifically what he has identified as “trust in media [being] at an all-time low”. He has stated he will also look into spectrum reform, space economy and national security, singling out the what the White House has alleged to be a Chinese-backed hacker group dubbed Salt Typhoon. Carr has also warned broadcasters could lose their license if they did not operate in the public interest. He has also been vocal about supporting private initiatives like Starlink and Kuiper in building up satellite-networks. He is also the author of the FCC chapter in Project 2025.
UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO MEXICO: RONALD JOHNSON
Served as U.S. ambassador to El Salvador from 2019 to 2021 during Trump’s first term as president. Though not a career diplomat, his time as ambassador might help with ratification in the Senate. His background in security and intelligence aligns with Trump’s stated concerns over the U.S.’s southern neighbor’s lack of control on immigration and drug flow through the border.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “I am pleased to nominate Ronald (Ron) Johnson to serve as the United States Ambassador to Mexico. Ron will work closely with our great Secretary of State Nominee, Marco Rubio, to promote our Nation’s security and prosperity through strong America First Foreign Policies […] he worked tirelessly with Salvadoran authorities and our team to reduce violent crime and illegal migration to the lowest levels in History. He also served our Country for over twenty years with the Central Intelligence Agency after a distinguished career in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret […] Congratulations Ron. Together, we will put an end to migrant crime, stop the illegal flow of Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our Country and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!”.
EPA ADMINISTRATOR: LEE ZELDIN
Has been selected by the president-elect to lead the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States. The former Republican representative to New York’s first congressional district, from 2015 to 2023, lost the 2022 governor race for that state to Kathy Hochul. Trump has been very insistent in minimizing global warming, its causes and effects, as well as other environmental issues, for example by using rhetoric like “beautiful, clean coal”, and “drill, baby drill!” during his campaign rallies or by pitting environmental protection against economic growth, which is a false dilemma. Zeldin declared he would be pulling back on “left-wing regulations” and instead “unleashing economic prosperity”. There is international concern Trump will pull back even further on coordinated global efforts to combat climate change, during his forthcoming administration. It is expected the agency’s efforts will focus on deregulating the energy sector in an effort to regain what he has called “energy dominance”.
U.S. TRADE: JAMIESON GREER
The position does not require confirmation by the Senate. Jamieson will be involved in addressing Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on the country’s trade partners. To begin with, the 25% to imports from Mexico and Canada, with “an additional 10% tariff, above any additional tariffs” on imports from China. The president elect is demanding these three countries to do more on the illegal flow of migrants and drugs to the United States. All three have already responded that this tariff strategy would negatively impact their economies, including the U.S. Greer is a trade lawyer who participated on imposing tariffs on China during Trump’s first presidential term. He was also in the U.S. team during the negotiations to substitute de North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada which then became the USMCA.
DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY: ELON MUSK AND VIVEK RAMASWAMY Would lead this now non-existent state department, which responsibilities would include to “dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies”. Elon Musk is the tech billionaire owner of the social media platform X, Tesla, and Space X. He donated more than 270 million dollars to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Vivek Ramaswamy is a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who also ran as Republican pre-candidate for the presidency. During the Republican primaries debates he was the least critical among Trump’s party opponents, pressing his rivals to support or condemn the president-elect’s first term. Trump did not participate in any of these debates. Trump’s statements have hinted that their function would be from outside the government, and that this so-called department would be a temporary effort at achieving his campaign promise of downsizing the federal government.
A JOURNEY HOME: Caravans that unite hearts
Around one and a half million compatriots residing in the U.S. come to Mexico for the end-of-year holidays.
BY: ANGÉLICA SIMÓN UGALDE
ALEJANDRO OYERVIDES
Every December, Mexican communities that have sent migrants abroad eagerly anticipate the return of their native residents. These individuals had to leave their homes, families, and land for a better life in the United States. Often, they return only during the Christmas holidays to their birthplace.
Welcoming them involves preparing the table and ensuring their safe arrival, free from incidents like theft and extortion, which are common since they typically carry valuables. In addition to their families, federal, state, and local agencies must also prepare for their arrival.
Traveling by caravan offers a safer journey option.
Data from the National Population Council’s State and Municipal Migration Intensity Index (Conapo, 2020) reveals that Zacatecas, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Guanajuato rank as the states with the highest migration intensity. Following them, San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, Oaxaca, Durango, Guerrero, and Hidalgo are categorized as having high migration intensity.
Among the 2,469 municipalities in Mexico, 5.5% (137) are categorized as having very high migration intensity; an additional 13.8% (341 towns) show high migration intensity; 17.5% (432) are rated as medium, while 686 are classified as low and 861 as very low.
These municipalities receive remittances yearround despite their residents’ absence, with December being the time for reunions. Yet, often, these reunion celebrations fail to happen. Of the approximately 10 million Mexicans born in Mexico and now residing in the U.S., only a small number can return to Mexico due to needing the appropriate permits for cross-border travel.
Data shared at the second regular meeting of the Migration Affairs Commission in the Mexican Congress’s Chamber of Deputies indicate that about 1.5 million migrants are anticipated to arrive by the end of 2024.
To undertake this “migrant tourism” (a temporary return to Mexico during the holiday season), several essential requirements must be met:
Entry into Mexico must be recorded with immigration officials.
Necessary documents, such as a valid passport, a certified copy of the birth certificate, or a consular ID card, must be carried.
When traveling with children, you need the original official photo ID (a valid passport) and a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate to establish parentage, along with other
Around 200,000 fellow citizens are anticipated to arrive.
After finishing their paperwork, they get a sticker. We track the number of travelers, their origins, and destinations. While safety is our top priority, this represents a journey filled with love and kindness. We don’t just return safely; we come back connected, supported, and united.”
ORGANIZER OF
FOR
AND
CARAVANS: A SAFER WAY TO RETURN
While the most critical factor is the temporary return of Mexicans from the United States, it encompasses more than just people returning. It also includes the flow of goods and money, making returning migrants vulnerable to theft, extortion, and even disappearances during this time.
In 2010, Mexico experienced a year marked by extreme violence, highlighted by the massacre of 72 migrants in San Fernando. Additionally, two trucks transporting over 60 migrants vanished in the Sierra de Querétaro region. The urgent needs and suffering of so many could not be overlooked, leading to the idea of traveling in a caravan.
In 2024, the Caravan for Order and Legality, which started in 2010 with 35 vehicles, now boasts 1,400 registered cars, with at least 2,800 additional vehicles anticipated. Fernando Rocha, the founder and organizer of the caravan, alongside his wife, Karen Arroy Zurita, shared this in a discussion with El Heraldo USA.
Rocha, originally from El Embocadero in Jalpan de Serra, Querétaro, where migration to the United States has been significant since 1960, highlighted that in 2023, Caminos y Puentes Federales (Capufe) reported 5,250 vehicles transporting about 22,000 individuals.
The National Migration Institute and the Mexican Customs Department visit the Laredo, Texas, region to simplify the entry processes for citizens. These include paying taxes (ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 pesos per family) and securing vehicle import permits.
This free registration caravan primarily draws vehicles from California, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, yet it welcomes everyone. Participants will travel to destinations including Querétaro, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Morelos, Hidalgo, Jalisco, the State of Mexico, Zacatecas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, and several other central and southern states.
The Caravan will leave Laredo, Texas, on December 19 this year. Advance registration is available at migrantesunidosencaravana.com
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