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For several decades, the flow of migration from Central America to the United States has grown significantly. In contrast to weak economies and fragile governments, the United States offers a level of security that only one of the world's strongest powers could provide.
The North American giant established itself as one of the world's leading producers, and its currency, the U.S. dollar, is one of the strongest in circulation.
For all these reasons, many migrants have chosen the United States as their preferred destination to seek financial and social stability. Among them, Mexico accounts for the largest population of immigrants settled in U.S. territory.
Why do Mexicans emigrate to the United States?
Immigration is a global phenomenon that, throughout the centuries, has responded to various motives and processes. Wars, famines, and political and religious persecution are some of the reasons that have driven many groups to seek new horizons abroad.
Mexican migration is no exception. Given its geographic proximity to the United States, the Mexican migration trend has been established primarily toward its northern neighbor. Furthermore, many citizens from other Latin American nations also travel through Mexico, seeking a better life in the land of the American dream.
Among the motivations for these migrants is the appeal of earning a salary in dollars and a stable economy, along with safety and a higher quality of life. Fortunately, there are measures that allow Mexicans to settle in the United States legally, whether for a period of time or permanently.
How many Mexicans emigrate to the United States?
There is a large Mexican community in the United States, and according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 36 million people of Mexican ethnic origin were recorded in the United States in 2018, although it is not specified what percentage are immigrants and what percentage are children of immigrants.
Authors Ruiz Soto and Seele (2019) found that between 2000 and 2017, the number of Mexican migrants over the age of 25 with a university degree rose from 269,000 to 678,000.
For its part, the Statista Research Department website published a chart showing the percentage distribution of Mexican immigrants by destination country in 2022. The result showed that 77.2% of Mexican immigrants chose to go to the United States, specifically, a total figure of about 619,853.
The states with the highest concentration of the Mexican population are in the Southwest, particularly in California and Texas.
Reasons why Mexicans emigrate to the United States
One of the main reasons many Mexicans choose to emigrate to the United States has to do with prospects for economic and professional development. The United States has one of the most robust economies in the West, which is a major draw for precarious workers from all over the world.
Compared to other countries, the United States is one of the most viable options for workers with high levels of education or specialization, as well as for those who possess some of the most sought-after skills in the labor market.
In addition, Mexicans can access temporary work visas in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and livestock. This option allows individuals to obtain legal residency for a specific period while they save in dollars and support their families financially.
What kind of work do Mexicans who emigrate to the United States do?
Mexican migrants in the United States primarily stand out in the fields of construction, agriculture, and services, among others. The choice of trade depends heavily on the level of education the person has acquired throughout their life.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, migrants represent 25% of the country's agricultural workforce. The same percentage represents the migrant workforce within construction. This is followed by occupations such as cleaning and catering services, manufacturing, production, and transportation.
Finally, in recent years there has been an increase in the population of Mexican immigrants with higher education, who have managed to fill positions in fields such as healthcare and engineering.
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