Foreign-born population – 2020 | 1% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
1.2 million, 49% women | Evolution since 2014: +29% | United States (66%), Guatemala (5%), Spain (2%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Mexico received 72 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), 3.7% more than in 2023. This figure comprises 6% labour migrants, 46% family members (including accompanying family) and 36% humanitarian migrants. Around 5 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 28 400 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
Honduras, Guatemala and the United States were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Guatemala registered the strongest increase (2 400) and Venezuela the largest decrease (‑3 500) in flows to Mexico compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑44%, to reach around 79 000. The majority of applicants came from Honduras (28 000), Cuba (18 000) and Haiti (11 000). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Peru (200) and the largest decrease nationals of Haiti (‑33 000). Of the 70 000 decisions taken in 2024, 39% were positive.
Emigration of Mexican citizens to OECD countries increased by 32% in 2023, to 217 000. Approximately 88% of this group migrated to the United States, 4% to Spain and 3% to Canada.
In February 2024, Mexico launched its Comprehensive Human Mobility Strategy (CHMS) based on the Mexican Human Mobility Model to address both immediate humanitarian needs and the structural causes of migration, with a strong emphasis on regional development co‑operation. The model includes actions to provide humanitarian assistance for newcomers, improve border security, expand regular migration pathways, support the Mexican diaspora, and improve living conditions in migrants’ countries and communities of origin. These actions are co‑ordinated through the Interministerial Commission for Comprehensive Migration Management (CIAIMM, for its acronym in Spanish). In October 2024, the new government ratified the CHMS, ensuring continuity in immigration policy.
As part of the CHMS, Mexico extended its flagship social programmes, Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro (“Youth building the future”) and Sembrando Vida (“Sowing Life”), to countries across the region, including Belize, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras and Panama. The government pledged to expand regular labour migration pathways, promote job creation, and more regular employment options. To support this initiative, Mexico launched a digital platform, México te emplea (“Mexico employs you”) to integrate migrants and refugees into the labour market. The platform offers job openings, tools, and resources on labour rights, training, and vocational development. By September 2024, more than 6 000 jobs had been opened to migrants in co‑operation with over 380 companies.
The human mobility strategy also addresses irregular migration flows. By September 2024, the CIAIMM reported a 66% decrease in irregular migration compared to 2023. This achievement was credited to enhanced security along migration routes, anti-trafficking initiatives, and the creation of integration centres for migrants. Additionally, in anticipation for potential mass deportations from the United States, the government installed temporary shelters in northern border cities. It also implemented the programme Mexico te abraza (“Mexico embraces you”), a repatriation strategy to welcome Mexicans who return to the country from the United States, protecting their rights and ensuring their reintegration into their communities of origin. Authorities collaborated with local organisations to host returnees and implemented measures to ensure the safe transfer of asylum seekers.
In late 2024, the President requested the United States to repatriate non-Mexican migrants directly to their countries of origin. Further, in February 2025, Mexican troops were mobilised to border posts with high flows of irregular migration as part of an agreement to pause United States tariffs on Mexican imports.
In January 2025, to assist Mexican nationals at risk of deportation, the government launched the mobile app “ConsulApp Contigo”. The app has a “panic button” to notify consulates and family members if a user is detained by US authorities. Additionally, Mexico expanded services in its U.S. consulates to meet the growing needs of Mexican diaspora, including a 24‑hour hotline for consular assistance.
In January 2025, Mexico hosted the Forum for an Orderly, Safe, and Regular Migration, where the government emphasised the need for domestic reforms. These include drafting a new migration law, restructuring the National Institute of Migration, and strengthening migrant support services. Mexico City also announced a plan to guarantee access to housing, employment, healthcare, and education services for all migrants in the city by March 2025.
For further information: www.politicamigratoria.gob.mx | www.comar.gob.mx.
