State 33: The New Global Power of Mexicans Abroad

In 2025, the Mexican diaspora is not only one of the largest migrant communities in the world but also an emerging political, economic, and cultural force redefining the nation's borders. Over 38 million people of Mexican origin live outside the country—primarily in the United States, but increasingly in Europe, Canada, and Central America. This transnational collective, often referred to as “State 33,” symbolizes a new geopolitical actor influencing binational decisions, remittances, investment, digital culture, and identity construction.

In 2024, Mexico received a record-breaking $63.3 billion in remittances, an 8.4% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from the Bank of Mexico. For the third consecutive year, remittances outpaced foreign direct investment and tourism revenue, becoming a financial lifeline for over 10 million Mexican households. Moreover, the profile of senders is evolving: younger generations—children and grandchildren of earlier migrants—now have higher levels of education, work in specialized sectors, and actively participate in political processes both in their countries of residence and their hometowns in Mexico.

On the political front, 2024 marked a milestone with a growing number of Mexican-American representatives elected to local and state governments in the U.S., particularly in California, Texas, Nevada, Illinois, and Arizona. Leaders such as Isaac E. Barron in North Las Vegas exemplify how the Mexican community is taking up decision-making roles, voicing concerns about immigration, bilingual education, community services, and integration policies. At the same time, binational advocacy groups are intensifying efforts to expand voting rights for Mexicans abroad, with over 1.6 million registered in Mexico’s overseas electoral roll—though actual voter turnout remains a challenge.

Culturally and technologically, 2024 also witnessed a surge in “bicultural pride.” Platforms like TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube became stages for young Mexican-American creators to explore their identity through language, music, and digital activism. This new generation is shaping an informal kind of cultural diplomacy that is influencing global perceptions of Mexico and its diaspora. Institutions such as the University of California and El Colegio de la Frontera Norte reported a 15% increase in programs focused on the Mexican diaspora and U.S.-Mexico relations, indicating growing academic interest in this structural dimension of binational development.

Looking ahead to 2025, the biggest challenge for State 33 is to consolidate its political and economic influence in an organized and sustainable manner. Despite its size and impact, the Mexican diaspora still lacks formal representation before the Mexican federal government and lacks efficient mechanisms to influence public policy. Additionally, limited digital connectivity between diaspora communities and their hometowns in Mexico hinders collaborative development projects, social investment, and knowledge transfer.

Migration tensions between Mexico and the U.S. also remain a structural issue. Although recent U.S. immigration policies show more humanitarian elements, significant barriers still exist for legalizing temporary workers and undocumented students. These limitations directly affect younger generations of Mexican origin who, despite being born or raised in the U.S., face challenges accessing full citizenship and participation.

State 33 is more than just a metaphor—it’s a rising reality. With strategic vision and institutional support, it can become a catalyst for transnational development between Mexico and the world. Supporting this community should not be viewed merely as a migrant policy, but as a national strategy for innovation, inclusion, and global projection.

The 33rd State Mexican Diaspora movement is an initiative of Marco Tardelli and the writer Guadalupe Loaeza.

Written by: Editorial

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