Factsheet Mexico

Mexico embodies the four stages of the migration process: origin, transit, destination, and return. Jointly with the U.S., the country forms the most important international migratory corridor worldwide. Since the end of 2018, when the migrant caravans started as common ways to travel up north, the northern and southern borders have seen an increase in the numbers of migrants, mainly from Central America. Restrictive migration policies and the increasing violence against migrants, most commonly by criminal groups, have exacerbated the already dangerous migratory route. Violence (fostered by the far-reaching presence of organized crime) is also one of the key migration drivers for Mexicans. Lack of economic opportunities and the impact of climate-related and natural disasters are some of the other key drivers.