Introduction and Background on Mexican Immigrants in the U.S.
A recent joint report by BBVA Research and the National Population Council (Conapo) sheds light on the socioeconomic progress of Mexican immigrants in the United States (U.S.). The study reveals that average annual income for Mexican immigrants in the U.S. has consistently grown over real terms, regardless of their migration generation.
Income Growth Across Generations
The report highlights significant income increases for both Mexican men and women in the U.S. over a 29-year period:
- Women: The average annual income for Mexican women in the U.S. rose from $22,756 in 1995 to $35,612 in 2024, marking a 56.6% increase.
- Men: The average annual income for Mexican men in the U.S. increased from $32,223 in 1995 to $43,810 in 2024, representing a 36% growth.
Decreasing Poverty Rates Among Mexican Immigrants
The study also indicates a general decline in poverty rates among Mexican immigrants in the U.S.:
- Third-generation Mexican immigrants born in the U.S., both men and women, show the lowest poverty levels.
- Historically, the second-generation Mexican immigrants have faced higher poverty rates due to their high dependency levels.
- Recent years have shown a convergence between the poverty rates of second and third-generation Mexican immigrants.
Educational Disparities and Wage Gaps
Despite the income growth, the report points out that most immigrants from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean have a high school education (completed or incomplete), leaving wide wage gaps between regions of origin.
Across all sectors, immigrants from Euroasia, Africa, and Canada generally receive higher wages and salaries than their Latin American and Caribbean counterparts.
Demographic and Labor Market Trends
Between 2020 and 2023, the population of first-generation Mexican immigrants in the U.S. increased by 113.1%. In 2022, California, Texas, and Illinois accounted for 57.9% of registered Mexican immigrants, with distribution percentages of 28.1%, 21.3%, and 8.5% respectively.
Despite this growth, the majority of people of Mexican origin in the U.S. were born there, which becomes significant amidst new migration policies initiated by former President Donald Trump.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What does the report reveal about income growth for Mexican immigrants in the U.S.?
A: The average annual income for Mexican women in the U.S. increased by 56.6% from $22,756 in 1995 to $35,612 in 2024. For Mexican men, the average annual income rose by 36%, from $32,223 in 1995 to $43,810 in 2024.
- Q: How have poverty rates changed among Mexican immigrants in the U.S.?
A: Poverty rates have generally decreased among Mexican immigrants in the U.S., with third-generation immigrants showing the lowest poverty levels, while second-generation immigrants have historically faced higher poverty rates.
- Q: What are the educational disparities and wage gaps among Mexican immigrants?
A: Most Mexican immigrants have a high school education, which leaves wide wage gaps between regions of origin. Immigrants from Euroasia, Africa, and Canada generally receive higher wages than their Latin American and Caribbean counterparts.
- Q: What are the demographic and labor market trends for Mexican immigrants in the U.S.?
A: Between 2020 and 2023, the first-generation Mexican immigrant population in the U.S. grew by 113.1%. In 2022, California, Texas, and Illinois accounted for 57.9% of registered Mexican immigrants.