The rise of State 33, how the mexican diaspora is redefining the binational future
- Editorial
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Today, over 38 million people of Mexican origin live in the United States, making up the largest Latino community in the country and one of the most influential diasporas in the world. Far from being a passive demographic, this diaspora has evolved into a strategic force that strengthens U.S.–Mexico relations across economic, political, and cultural dimensions—especially as both nations face challenges in immigration, trade, and global competitiveness.
In 2024, remittances from the U.S. to Mexico hit a historic high of $63.2 billion USD, representing an 8.2% increase compared to 2023, according to data from the Bank of Mexico. These transfers are not only a critical income source for over 10 million Mexican households, but also a tangible expression of the diaspora’s ongoing economic engagement. Additionally, investments by migrant entrepreneurs in Mexico grew by 14%, mainly in agribusiness, community-based tourism, and digital tech sectors.
Politically, 2024 marked a milestone as over 50 people of Mexican descent held elected office across the United States—from local councils to state legislatures—showing a 25% increase over the past five years. This surge in civic representation amplifies migrant voices and improves bilateral dialogue on key issues such as labor mobility, bilingual education, and cross-border cooperation. Universities like UCLA and UNAM have launched joint programs in cultural diplomacy and academic exchange, leading to a 22% increase in collaborative research on migration, sustainability, and social technology.
On the cultural front, diaspora-led initiatives made an impressive comeback. Programs like Raíces Mexicanas, backed by Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C., drew over 500,000 attendees to festivals, art shows, and binational events featuring Mexican music and cinema. This wave of cultural diplomacy has emerged as a powerful tool of soft power, reshaping public perception of Mexico in the U.S. beyond outdated migration stereotypes.
However, looking ahead to 2025, the key challenge is not just to sustain this momentum but to institutionalize it. A binational public policy framework must be built—one that officially recognizes the diaspora as a strategic diplomatic and economic actor. This includes expanding voting rights for Mexicans abroad, establishing binational investment funds for migrant-led innovation projects, and launching voluntary return programs that offer real pathways to employment and reintegration.
Mexico must also strengthen its consular network—not only as service hubs for documentation and legal aid, but as innovation centers offering business networking, skills training, and civic engagement. In parallel, both governments need to modernize diaspora data collection to better inform public policy and avoid one-size-fits-all approaches.
Unlocking the potential of the so-called “State 33” begins with recognizing that the diaspora is no longer a side note of Mexico’s past—it is a core architect of a shared future. As nearshoring, artificial intelligence, and climate resilience reshape the global agenda, the Mexican diaspora emerges as a natural ally—rooted in both countries and poised to bridge tradition with innovation.
In a rapidly changing world, the Mexican diaspora is not just a transnational phenomenon. It is a driving force for binational transformation.
The 33rd State Mexican Diaspora movement is an initiative of Marco Tardelli and the writer Guadalupe Loaeza.
Written by: Editorial
Yorumlar