Americans Running South: Why We are Flocking to Mexico for Work
By Michael Wildes
Michael Wildes, Immigration Attorney, Wildes & Weinberg (www.wildesweinberg.com)
Americans are moving to Mexico for work? This seems quite anomalous to many, considering that historically and currently millions of Mexicans continue
to immigrate, legally and illegally, to the United States in search of a better (and more lucrative) life, not emigrate from it.
But in reality, more than one million Americans have chosen to make Mexico their home in the recent past - a trend that is showing no signs of slowing
down - for a variety of reasons, such as a healthier environment in which to raise children, a warmer climate, inexpensive healthcare, an affordable
and relaxing retirement destination and, more than ever before, a job.
This emerging trend should not come as a surprise. We see tens of thousands of legal border crossings every day from the U.S. into Mexico for
commercial, tourist and cultural interests. More than 18 thousand companies with American investments have operations in Mexico. In fact, the U.S.
accounts for 47 percent of all foreign investment in Mexico and in 2007, Mexico was the world's eighth largest crude exporter and the third largest
supplier of oil to the U.S.
As such, Mexico's economy is highly dependent upon its exports to the U.S., including petroleum, automobile parts and electronic equipment, accounting
for more than 25 percent of its GDP. And while the recent economic slowdown has caused significant declines in manufacturing, exports and investment
on both sides of the border, it has resulted in a jump in Americans heading south.
As unemployment in the U.S. climbs past 10 percent, what does Mexico offer to Americans looking for work? While our leadership debates health care,
and as more employers cut, limit or simply don't offer health care to their employees, Mexico offers a comprehensive health care plan for a flat fee
of $250 per annum. This can be very attractive to an American family struggling with limited income and mounting medical bills or an individual simply
unable to afford the high premiums. And though significant differences exist in the level of medical care provided in Mexico when compared to the
U.S., given financial challenges, many Americans are flocking to Mexico not only for work but also so they can afford health insurance.
Likewise, many families are willing to settle for lower paying jobs in Mexico because of the significantly lower cost of childcare, housing and food,
while entrepreneurs are willing to take business risks there because they see opportunity which may not, especially now, exist in the U.S. But working
in Mexico isn't as easy as uno, dos, tres. There is paperwork involved, not to mention language barriers, discrimination...many of the things that
plague Mexicans - legal or not - in the U.S. today.
As in American immigration law, anyone intending to live or work in Mexico for purposes other than tourism must apply for either an immigrant or
nonimmigrant visa. The Mexican Consulate in New York reports a 40 percent increase in the number of Americans inquiring about moving to Mexico. And
just as Spanish-speaking immigrants in the U.S. often need a third party to help them understand the many documents that need to be filled out, it is
wise for Americans looking to go south to take at least one Spanish language course before moving abroad and to consult a third party in the U.S. who
can help them navigate the paperwork.
Considering the contentious history of Mexican immigration to the U.S., it's a curious turn of events to discuss American emigration to Mexico. Many
of the same issues that taint American perception of Mexicans apply to Americans moving to Mexico; for example, the language barrier, economic
opportunities, and whether or not proper immigration procedures are being followed. Just as they always have, people are still immigrating to new
countries in search of better opportunities, especially when the domestic economy is flagging - only this time, they're heading south.DENNIS - 11-21-2009 at 08:41 PM
This article makes very little sense to me. What demand in the labor market could there be for foreigners? Mexico has unemployment problems as bad
or worse than the US so how are these expats going to find work here? What would even make them think that the grass is greener on the other side?
The information is too simplistic; out of work Americans flocking to Mexico to find their dream. Their desperate situation wouldn't begin to
satisfy immigration. The whole article is nonsense. There are no Statues Of Liberty off the coast of Mexico.nobaddays - 11-21-2009 at 09:00 PM
I would say 80% of the Gringos working in Mexico are either "wanted" or not wanted in the USA.woody with a view - 11-21-2009 at 09:14 PM
the same could be said about the Mexican prison population in the US.Pescador - 11-22-2009 at 07:48 AM
Why would anyone expect anything more from the press. First of all there is absolutely no reference to how hard it is to get permission to work in
Mexico. Secondly, the reference to health care for the quoted annual premium is obviously with ISSTE which even the Mexicans think is substandard
health care. The ISSTE hospitals are horribly understaffed, it takes forever to see a doctor, diagnostic testing is very limited, and most of the
buildings are pretty run down and seedy. So, this ill-informed author makes it sound like jobs are waiting for anyone who wants to make the journey
and they get equivalent health care for a whopping $250 a year. I should run a trailer on this article and offer some of the fine desert land I have
for sale.mtgoat666 - 11-22-2009 at 08:18 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
Why would anyone expect anything more from the press.
where did you get the idea it came from any type of reputable press organization? did you read the biline?Skeet/Loreto - 11-22-2009 at 08:20 AM
I take exception to some of the Posts>
First: The Articvle is not well writtin and leaves a lot of Facts out of the context:
I lived and worked in Baja for a number of years, had my own Corp., bought Mexicanos Property and sold to Americans and Canadians.
There was several times I was aks about getting Americans to come down and take Jobs.
80% Wanted?? That is completely Wrong.!!
2nd; The Health care in Baja Sur is very good, The hospitalse well taken care of, the Doctors are as well trained as most of the Doctsrs in the
States;
Pescador I take exception. Please go to the General Hosptial in Constitution and ask for a Tour. Or go to the ISSE an ses Dr. Gustavo Morialia or his
Wife. Just watch the operation for a Day. You will bew surpised.
Recently I was approached to do an indepth Investigation of some of the People coming and going in Loreto{Scam Artists}.
There will be more Jobs coming up when and if Mexico desides on using some of its Natrual Resources. Could be anytime.
Don't be so Quick to Judge Mexico?Baja based on Lilited information especially from the American News Media.{Most of their reporters have never been
south of the Border.}
Skeet/LoretoDENNIS - 11-22-2009 at 08:36 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Recently I was approached to do an indepth Investigation of some of the People coming and going in Loreto{Scam Artists}.
I will pay any amount for a copy of that exposé.Woooosh - 11-22-2009 at 08:39 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by nobaddays
I would say 80% of the Gringos working in Mexico are either "wanted" or not wanted in the USA.
Forget the working part and you're closer to the truth. Sh*t flows downhill so to speak.wilderone - 11-22-2009 at 09:08 AM
Michael Wildes is an immigration attorney - not "the press" reporting on a news flash. He would do better to write an article on what it takes to
live in Mexico - setting up an annuity to live adequately - and offer his srvices to do both - FM3 docs and sell annuities. You're welcome, Mr.
Wildes.DENNIS - 11-22-2009 at 09:22 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Michael Wildes is an immigration attorney - not "the press" reporting on a news flash.
It would appear that the article was written for the press, disguised as news but, in reality a slimey self-serving advertisment for his services.
Also, the article was a ton of "general speak". I want objective details that can be verified or disproved. I hate general speak.Skeet/Loreto - 11-22-2009 at 11:37 AM
Dennis: Can you imagine an Attornery in the States giving Advice for living in Mexico?? Ha Ha Ha!
Anyone interested in living and working in Baja or the Mainland should first learn as much Spanish as possible, then go to the area and do a basic
Investigatio. then go to La Paz and Contact Miguel Isquirdo -a Mexican Attornery. Tell him what you would like to do then follow his Advice! No
problems.
Now Dennis sorry I will not be able to sell you a Report. The party trying to hire me turned out to be some what short of Morals. Need I say more??
SkeetDENNIS - 11-22-2009 at 11:39 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
.
Now Dennis sorry I will not be able to sell you a Report. The party trying to hire me turned out to be some what short of Morals. Need I say more??
No. That's enough for me, Skeet. Thanks.Dave - 11-23-2009 at 10:42 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
First of all there is absolutely no reference to how hard it is to get permission to work in Mexico.
Any gringo who will work for Mexican wages won't, or can't afford permission, visas, etc. It's not like they throw them in jail. They usually just
tell 'em to "go get legal". Worst that happens is deportation...
