Immigration boost potentially beneficial for Mexico, as suggested by our CEO's viewpoint

Immigration boost potentially beneficial for Mexico, as suggested by our CEO's viewpoint

Mexico, a country known for its rich culture and warm hospitality, has a foreign-born population of less than 2% [1], with Americans making up around 1.2% of the total population [3]. This proportion is significantly smaller compared to countries like the United States (around 16%), Canada (22%), Germany (21%), the UK (17%), and France (14%) [3].

Economically, the impact of the foreign-born population in Mexico is predominantly felt through remittances sent by Mexican migrants primarily living in the United States. These remittances, totaling approximately $62.5 billion in 2024 [2], represent over 3.5% of Mexico’s GDP [4] and are concentrated in its poorest regions, where they can equal up to 18% of a state’s gross state product. This inflow supports poverty alleviation and investments in healthcare and education, indirectly improving local economic conditions and community welfare [2][4].

The direct economic impact of Americans living in Mexico is less highlighted in major economic data, as they represent a small portion of the total population and are often retirees or expatriates with differing economic roles than labor migrant populations. However, their presence contributes to local economies through consumption, real estate investments, and cultural exchange, especially in regions popular among expatriates such as border cities and coastal areas [1][3].

Socially and locally, the foreign-born population in Mexico is relatively small and integrated, with less tension around immigration issues than seen in countries with higher immigration shares. Mexico’s foreign-born population is diverse, including not only Americans but also Central and South Americans, Europeans, and Asians, which enriches local communities culturally but on a smaller scale compared to countries with large foreign-born populations [1][3].

Mexico News Daily, an organisation dedicated to helping new arrivals understand and respect Mexico and its people, emphasizes the importance of foreigners taking María Meléndez's comments seriously to avoid issues such as cost of living increases and cultural misunderstandings. Meléndez, a Mexico City based writer, highlights the dedication of foreigners in learning Spanish, integrating into communities, showing respect, and gaining a better understanding of Mexico [1].

Travis Bembenek, the CEO of Mexico News Daily, argues that Mexico’s economy needs a rethink, focusing on attracting significantly more foreigners. Bembenek, who has been living, working, or playing in Mexico for nearly 30 years, suggests a focused plan to attract two times more tourists and five times more foreign residents could have a hugely positive impact on Mexico's investment and economic growth [1].

On the other hand, compared to the U.S. and Canada, Mexico had a relatively low number of international tourists given its population size. Mexico's economy has underperformed compared to the U.S. for years and is expected to have flat growth at best in 2026 and 2027 [5]. With a focus on attracting more foreigners, Mexico could potentially boost its economy and provide a more welcoming environment for those seeking a new home or adventure.

References:

[1] Bembenek, T. (2023). Mexico's Foreign-Born Population: A Modest Presence with Significant Benefits. Mexico News Daily. [2] INEGI. (2025). Remittances to Mexico. INEGI. [3] World Bank. (2025). Foreign-Born Population, Total. World Bank. [4] IMF. (2025). Mexico: Economic Outlook. IMF. [5] OECD. (2025). Mexico Economic Outlook. OECD.

1. The economic impact of remittances from Mexican migrants, who primarily live in the United States, significantly influences Mexico's GDP, amounting to approximately 3.5% in 2024.
2. In terms of economy, Mexico News Daily advocates for a shift in focus to attract more foreigners, suggesting this could potentially lead to a increase in investment and economic growth.
3. While the direct economic impact of Americans living in Mexico is less highlighted, they contribute to local economies through consumption, real estate investments, and cultural exchange in popular expatriate areas.
4. The foreign-born population in Mexico is concentrated in economic news dishes such as poverty alleviation and investment in healthcare and education, especially in poorest regions.
5. The cultural exchange facilitated by the foreign-born population in Mexico enriches local communities but on a smaller scale compared to countries with large foreign-born populations.
6. Mexico's economy has underperformed compared to the US for years and is expected to have flat growth, with a focus on attracting more foreigners offering potential for boosting the economy and creating a more welcoming environment.

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