While the flow of people across the border makes headlines, the $63.3 billion in remittances sent home in 2023 tells a deeper story of how Mexican immigration is fundamentally reshaping both nations' economies and communities.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the Mexican-born population in the United States reached 10.7 million, accounting for 23% of the total 46.1 million foreign-born residents.
- From 2007 to 2022, the Mexican immigrant population in the US declined by 17%, from 12.8 million to 10.7 million.
- Mexican immigrants made up 41% of all unauthorized immigrants in the US in 2022, totaling about 4.0 million out of 11 million unauthorized.
- Mexican immigrants in the US sent $60 billion in remittances to Mexico in 2023, representing 80% of total remittances to Mexico.
- Remittances from the US to Mexico grew by 12.5% in 2023, reaching a record $63.3 billion, equivalent to 4.1% of Mexico's GDP.
- In 2022, remittances to Mexico totaled $58.5 billion, with 95% coming from the United States.
- The net migration rate from Mexico was -0.1 migrants per 1,000 population in 2020, indicating near balance.
- Between 2010 and 2020, Mexico's net emigration rate declined by 60%, from -0.5 to -0.2 per 1,000.
- In 2022, 11.9 million Mexicans lived abroad, 97% in the United States.
- In 2023, CBP recorded 2.1 million migrant encounters at the southwest border, with Mexicans at 29% or 609,000.
- FY2024 southwest border encounters totaled 2.5 million through September, Mexicans 28% (700,000).
- In FY2023, USBP apprehensions of Mexicans were 670,000, down 10% from FY2022.
- Mexico received 1.4 million deportees from the US between 2010-2020.
- In FY2023, ICE deported 142,000 individuals, 58% Mexican nationals (82,000).
- From 2008-2018, self-deportations from the US by Mexicans totaled 2.5 million.
Mexico's immigrant population declines as legal status and economic impact shift significantly.
Border Apprehensions and Encounters
- In 2023, CBP recorded 2.1 million migrant encounters at the southwest border, with Mexicans at 29% or 609,000.
- FY2024 southwest border encounters totaled 2.5 million through September, Mexicans 28% (700,000).
- In FY2023, USBP apprehensions of Mexicans were 670,000, down 10% from FY2022.
- December 2023 saw 302,000 southwest encounters, highest monthly, Mexicans 25%.
- From FY2019 to FY2023, Title 42 expulsions of Mexicans totaled 1.2 million.
- In FY2022, 90% of Mexican family unit encounters were released into the US pending proceedings.
- USBP sectors with highest Mexican apprehensions in FY2023: Rio Grande Valley (250,000), Tucson (200,000).
- Gotaways (evaded apprehensions) estimated at 670,000 in FY2023, 30% Mexican nationals.
- In FY2021, unaccompanied Mexican minors encountered numbered 22,000, 15% of total.
- Border Patrol apprehensions per agent averaged 1,200 in FY2023 for Mexican migrants.
- From Oct 2023-Sep 2024, Mexicans were expelled 150,000 times under Title 8 after Title 42 ended.
- San Diego sector saw 120,000 Mexican encounters in FY2023.
- In 2023, 45% of repeat encounters at the border were Mexican nationals.
- From Jan-Sep 2024, 500,000+ Mexicans encountered and many returned at border.
- FY2023 gotaways estimated 1.1 million total, 300,000 Mexican.
Border Apprehensions and Encounters Interpretation
Amidst a relentless tide of border encounters, where record numbers of Mexican nationals are repeatedly processed, released, or expelled, a sobering truth emerges: our immigration system is a revolving door powered by both desperation and policy, with the only constant being the overwhelming strain on both sides of the line.
Emigration Statistics from Mexico
- The net migration rate from Mexico was -0.1 migrants per 1,000 population in 2020, indicating near balance.
- Between 2010 and 2020, Mexico's net emigration rate declined by 60%, from -0.5 to -0.2 per 1,000.
- In 2022, 11.9 million Mexicans lived abroad, 97% in the United States.
- From 1990 to 2020, the stock of Mexican emigrants grew from 4.8 million to 11.8 million.
- Mexico's emigration rate to OECD countries was 8.5% of its population aged 15+ in 2020.
- In 2021, 1.2 million Mexicans emigrated, primarily to the US, a 20% increase from 2020.
- Rural areas of Mexico saw 45% of total emigration between 2015-2020, driven by agricultural decline.
- The emigration rate from Zacatecas state was 15% of its adult population from 2000-2020.
- Female emigration from Mexico doubled from 20% to 42% of total migrants between 1990-2020.
- In 2022, 25% of Mexican emigrants were highly skilled professionals, up from 10% in 2000.
- Mexico lost 2.5 million people to emigration net between 2015-2022.
- Emigration from Mexico to Canada increased 300% from 2010 to 2022, reaching 50,000 annually.
- 35% of Mexican emigrants returned within 5 years from 2015-2020.
- Youth emigration (ages 15-29) comprised 40% of Mexico's outflows in 2021.
- From 2005-2015, internal migration within Mexico exceeded international emigration by 2:1.
- Oaxaca state had the highest emigration rate per capita at 12% from 2010-2020.
- Emigrant households in Mexico received avg $450/month in 2022.
- 10.5% of Mexican households had an emigrant member in 2021.
- 2022 Mexican diaspora: 11.7 million, 78% US-based.
Emigration Statistics from Mexico Interpretation
Mexico is watching the subtle but profound evolution of its national story from mass exodus to a complex circulatory system, where brain drain now mingles with opportunity, rural flight, and the quiet return of emigrants who ultimately send home far more than just remittances.
Immigration to Mexico
- In 2022, Mexico had 1.3 million immigrants, 1% of its 130 million population.
- From 2015-2022, net migration to Mexico was positive at +200,000.
- In 2023, 150,000 Central Americans received humanitarian visas in Mexico.
- Mexico issued 450,000 visitor permits to migrants in 2022.
- Haitians topped immigrant nationalities in Mexico at 100,000 in 2022.
- From 2010-2020, Mexico's foreign-born population doubled from 0.7 to 1.2 million.
- In 2021, 80% of immigrants to Mexico were from Central America.
- Mexico granted asylum to 25,000 people in 2023, 70% from Honduras and Venezuela.
- Baja California hosted 200,000 immigrants in 2022, 15% of national total.
- Temporary resident visas issued by Mexico: 500,000 in 2023.
- From 2018-2023, Mexico detained 1.5 million migrants, mostly released.
- CDMX saw a 50% increase in immigrant population to 50,000 from 2015-2022.
- 40% of immigrants to Mexico in 2022 were economic migrants.
- Mexico's immigrant labor force participation rate was 65% in 2022.
Immigration to Mexico Interpretation
While its northern border grabs the headlines, Mexico’s own story is quietly shifting from a nation of emigration to a complex and bustling hub of migration, shelter, and detention for people primarily from the Americas.
Immigration to the US from Mexico
- In 2022, the Mexican-born population in the United States reached 10.7 million, accounting for 23% of the total 46.1 million foreign-born residents.
- From 2007 to 2022, the Mexican immigrant population in the US declined by 17%, from 12.8 million to 10.7 million.
- Mexican immigrants made up 41% of all unauthorized immigrants in the US in 2022, totaling about 4.0 million out of 11 million unauthorized.
- In fiscal year 2023, Mexicans accounted for 29% of all lawful permanent residents (LPRs) admitted to the US, with 85,000 new LPRs from Mexico.
- Between 2010 and 2022, the number of Mexican immigrants in the US who are US citizens grew by 25%, reaching 5.2 million.
- In 2021, 37% of Mexican immigrants in the US were naturalized citizens, compared to 32% for the overall immigrant population.
- The median age of Mexican immigrants in the US in 2022 was 47 years, higher than the 36 years for US-born Hispanics.
- In 2022, 62% of Mexican immigrants in the US were in the labor force, with a median household income of $62,000.
- From 1980 to 2020, Mexican immigration to the US shifted from primarily labor migration to more family-based reunification, with family visas comprising 70% of admissions.
- In 2019, 4.1 million children under 18 in the US had at least one Mexican immigrant parent.
- Mexican nationals received 18% of all employment-based green cards in FY2022, totaling 14,500 approvals.
- Between 2000 and 2020, the share of Mexican immigrants arriving before age 16 (DACA-eligible cohort) was 12%.
- In 2022, 48% of Mexican immigrant adults in the US had a high school diploma or less, compared to 28% of US-born adults.
- Top states for Mexican immigrants in 2022: California (4.0 million), Texas (2.5 million), Florida (0.8 million).
- In FY2021, Mexicans comprised 25% of the 740,000 new LPRs, with immediate relatives of US citizens making up 60% of those.
- From 1990 to 2010, Mexican-born women in the US had a fertility rate of 2.7 children per woman, declining to 2.1 by 2020.
- In 2023, 1.1 million Mexican nationals were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extensions in the US.
- Mexican-born in US: 10.9 million in 2023 ACS estimate.
- 2023 LPR admissions from Mexico: 92,000.
Immigration to the US from Mexico Interpretation
While their numbers have slightly retreated from their peak, Mexico's profound and evolving influence on American society is undeniable, as millions have transitioned from being a driving force of the labor force to becoming deeply rooted families who are increasingly naturalized, aging, and integral to the nation's fabric.
Remittances and Economic Impact
- Mexican immigrants in the US sent $60 billion in remittances to Mexico in 2023, representing 80% of total remittances to Mexico.
- Remittances from the US to Mexico grew by 12.5% in 2023, reaching a record $63.3 billion, equivalent to 4.1% of Mexico's GDP.
- In 2022, remittances to Mexico totaled $58.5 billion, with 95% coming from the United States.
- Household remittances per capita in Mexico reached $1,200 in 2023, supporting 10 million households.
- From 2018 to 2023, remittances as a share of Mexico's GDP increased from 2.5% to 4.1%.
- In 2023, the state of Michoacán received $5.6 billion in remittances, the highest among Mexican states.
- Remittances to Mexico grew 27% year-over-year in the first half of 2023, driven by US labor market strength.
- In 2022, formal remittances via banks and money transfer operators accounted for 92% of total inflows to Mexico.
- Mexican remittances reduced poverty by 1.5 percentage points nationally in 2022, lifting 1.8 million people out of poverty.
- From 2000 to 2022, cumulative remittances to Mexico exceeded $500 billion, funding 20% of household consumption in rural areas.
- In 2023, remittances financed 40% of Mexico's current account deficit.
- Guanajuato state received $4.9 billion in remittances in 2023, supporting 25% of its GDP.
- Digital remittances to Mexico surged 50% in 2023, comprising 15% of total transfers.
- In 2022, remittances contributed to a 15% increase in formal home construction in high-migration states like Jalisco.
- Remittances from Mexican diaspora hit $65 billion in 2024 projection.
- 2023 remittances equaled 10.6% of Mexico's manufacturing exports.
- Jalisco received $5.1 billion remittances in 2023.
Remittances and Economic Impact Interpretation
Mexico's economy is increasingly propped up by its expats, whose massive remittances now not only fuel household consumption and poverty reduction but also act as a crucial financial lifeline, effectively making the U.S. labor market a more significant economic partner than many of Mexico's own domestic industries.
Return Migration and Deportations
- Mexico received 1.4 million deportees from the US between 2010-2020.
- In FY2023, ICE deported 142,000 individuals, 58% Mexican nationals (82,000).
- From 2008-2018, self-deportations from the US by Mexicans totaled 2.5 million.
- Mexico's repatriation flights returned 250,000 nationals from the US in 2022.
- In 2021, 75% of deported Mexicans were returned to the northern border states.
- Voluntary returns of Mexicans by CBP exceeded 100,000 in FY2023.
- From 2014-2023, Mexico accepted 90% of US deportation requests for its nationals.
- Returned migrants to Mexico numbered 500,000 in 2019, with 60% finding employment within 6 months.
- In FY2022, 70% of interior removals by ICE were Mexicans (45,000).
- Mexico's Programa Paisano assisted 1.2 million returning nationals in 2023.
- Deportees aged 18-35 comprised 55% of Mexican returns in 2022.
- From 2020-2023, expedited removals of Mexicans totaled 800,000.
- Tamaulipas state received 40% of all US deportees to Mexico in 2023.
- 85% of deported Mexicans in 2021 had no criminal convictions.
- Return migration rates to Mexico peaked at 400,000 annually during 2008-2010 recession.
- In FY2023, 271,484 Mexicans were removed from the US interior by ICE.
- 2022 deportations to Mexico: 142,580 total returns.
Return Migration and Deportations Interpretation
While the cold arithmetic of deportation tallies up over a million sent back, the human story is a relentless, two-way tide where Mexico tirelessly catches and reintegrates its people, who often left with nothing and return to the same.
Sources & References
- Reference 1PEWRESEARCHpewresearch.orgVisit source
- Reference 2DHSdhs.govVisit source
- Reference 3MIGRATIONPOLICYmigrationpolicy.orgVisit source
- Reference 4CATOcato.orgVisit source
- Reference 5USCISuscis.govVisit source
- Reference 6CENSUScensus.govVisit source
- Reference 7WORLDBANKworldbank.orgVisit source
- Reference 8BANXICObanxico.org.mxVisit source
- Reference 9CONEVALconeval.org.mxVisit source
- Reference 10DATAdata.worldbank.orgVisit source
- Reference 11IMFimf.orgVisit source
- Reference 12BBVAbbva.comVisit source
- Reference 13OECDoecd.orgVisit source
- Reference 14DATOSdatos.inegi.org.mxVisit source
- Reference 15MASTERCARDmastercard.comVisit source
- Reference 16MACROTRENDSmacrotrends.netVisit source
- Reference 17DATAdata.un.orgVisit source
- Reference 18INEGIinegi.org.mxVisit source
- Reference 19UNun.orgVisit source
- Reference 20CANADAcanada.caVisit source
- Reference 21ENen.inegi.org.mxVisit source
- Reference 22CONAPOconapo.gob.mxVisit source
- Reference 23CBPcbp.govVisit source
- Reference 24HOMELANDSECURITYhomelandsecurity.house.govVisit source
- Reference 25OVERSIGHToversight.house.govVisit source
- Reference 26GAOgao.govVisit source
- Reference 27ICEice.govVisit source
- Reference 28GOBgob.mxVisit source
- Reference 29COLEFcolef.mxVisit source
- Reference 30STATEstate.govVisit source
- Reference 31OIMoim.org.mxVisit source
- Reference 32DATOSdatos.gob.mxVisit source
- Reference 33INMinm.gob.mxVisit source
- Reference 34SEGOBsegob.gob.mxVisit source
- Reference 35DATOSdatos.cdmx.gob.mxVisit source