Introduction
Mexican nationals residing in the United States are experiencing fear and abandonment, falling victim to ICE raids and human traffickers. The Mexican government, prioritizing remittances and political rhetoric over protection, rights, and labor opportunities, has largely ignored their needs.
The Climate of Fear
Nearly five million undocumented Mexicans, as well as green card holders, naturalized citizens, and even U.S.-born individuals of Mexican descent, live in constant fear due to the racial profiling by immigration agents. The Trump administration’s goal of expelling as many migrants as possible, with over a million annual deportations being a target, exacerbates this terrifying situation.
Mexican Government’s Indifference
The Mexican government, both at the federal and local levels under President López Obrador and Chief of Government Claudia Sheinbaum, has shown indifference and inaction. They have not met with any migrant communities or state-specific groups in the U.S., such as those from Jalisco, Guanajuato, or Zacatecas in California, Texas, or Illinois; nor with Mexico City, State of Mexico, or Oaxaca migrants in New York.
Misleading Rhetoric
Despite their inaction, both levels of government have engaged in demagoguery, claiming that Mexican migrants are “heroes and heroines of the fatherland,” contributing workers who support their families and Mexico’s economy. However, this is a misrepresentation; the majority of these migrants are not newly arrived but have been in the U.S. for generations.
The Reality of Migration
Most Mexicans who leave their homes, communities, towns, or cities do so out of necessity due to a lack of opportunities, poverty, and increasing insecurity. Many Mexican states have become “ghost towns” as residents flee from criminal activity threatening their safety and that of their families.
Government Neglect and Remittances
The Mexican government’s neglect is evident in the reduced resources and personnel at consulates, leading to slow and poor-quality services. Obtaining appointments and processing documents can be a grueling process.
There is no lobbying for better conditions, such as labor agreements, with national and state legislatures. Although the U.S. requires workers within legal frameworks, there is a lack of advocacy for Mexican migrants’ rights and improved working conditions.
Mexican Contributions to the U.S. Economy
Claudia Sheinbaum’s recent statement crediting Mexican migrants for California’s economic success is misleading. While Mexican workers undoubtedly contribute, the state’s economic power stems from technology, entertainment, finance, construction, tourism, and agriculture. Mexican laborers play a significant role in the latter three sectors, but primarily as manual workers.
Mexico is also a haven for lost opportunities, as countless skilled workers have honed their abilities and accumulated savings. If Mexican municipal and state governments, along with the federal government, had developed solid projects, more migrants might consider returning to create job opportunities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation for Mexicans in the U.S.? Many Mexican nationals and even U.S.-born individuals of Mexican descent live in fear due to ICE raids and human trafficking, with the Mexican government largely ignoring their needs.
- Why is the Mexican government’s response inadequate? The government prioritizes remittances and political rhetoric over protection, rights, and labor opportunities for Mexican migrants in the U.S.
- What drives Mexicans to migrate? Most migrants leave due to a lack of opportunities, poverty, and insecurity in their home communities.
- How does the Mexican government neglect its migrants abroad? The government fails to provide adequate consular services, engage in lobbying for better conditions, or develop solid projects to encourage repatriation and job creation.
- What is the true contribution of Mexican migrants to the U.S. economy? While Mexican laborers contribute significantly to certain sectors, the overall economic success of states like California is driven by various industries, with Mexican workers primarily providing manual labor.
