According to data published by the Mexican Ministry of the Interior, a total of 8,412 temporary residence visas have been issued to Americans during the first nine months of this year. That number represents an 85% jump from 2019.
That number represents an increase of nearly 85% over 2019 figures and marks the highest migration figure since Mexico began reporting statistics in 2010.
In the year before COVID-19 hit the United States, the Mexican government granted 4,550 temporary resident visas to Americans between January and September.
Fewer such visas were issued in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions. But the next year was marked by a spike in the number of Americans going south of the border with a total of 6,838 temporary resident visas issued or a 50% increase from 2019.
The data shows that a large portion of Americans travel to Mexico City.
The number of Americans receiving permanent residences in Mexico has also increased this year, according to a report from the Ministry of the Interior, more than 5,400 permanent residences have been granted, which translates to an increase of 48 percent since 2019.
For American workers, living in Mexico has its advantages, but many Mexicans worry that their influx will exacerbate inflation and deepen the gap between rich and poor.
The number of Americans living in Mexico is likely to be higher. Many enter as tourists, but end up living in the country.
Generally, Americans visiting the country can obtain a tourist visa that allows them to stay in the country for six consecutive months and will extend the visa by returning to the United States. for a few days and then returning to Mexico with a new tourist visa.
