These are hard times to talk about immigration—or even hard times to talk about anything other than immigration.

In the United States, the ongoing crackdown has led to military deployment in Los Angeles, an increase in ICE’s budget comparable to that of the world’s leading military forces, and deportations to countries throughout Latin America.

Meanwhile, protests in Mexico City over gentrification and the cost of living raise relevant debates about mass tourism and the balance between digital nomads and housing reform—as well as accusations of xenophobia.

More than half of all foreigners who entered Mexico in May 2025 were day visitors, not overnight guests, so most aren’t even looking for an apartment.

But, as always, the real figures paint a somewhat more complex picture than the headlines suggest.

Fewer than 1.2 million foreign-born people live in Mexico—less than 1 percent of the population—but the number is rising.

When looking at the number of resident cards issued last year in Mexico, Americans do make up the largest group by country, followed by Colombians and—interestingly—Chinese citizens.

Latin America is the region that has contributed the most immigrants to modern Mexico.

Cubans fleeing their country’s economic collapse are one of the largest groups, with nearly 4,000 resident cards last year alone.

This continues a centuries-old tradition of Mexico as a refuge for displaced people from around the world.

The story continues…