Words without walls, the cross-border literature that defies boundaries and unites economies

At a time when both physical and symbolic walls continue to define the relationship between Mexico and the United States, a powerful tool for integration emerges—one that transcends geographic and political limits: cross-border literature. This creative movement, fueled by binational experiences, migration, violence, resilience, and identity, not only gives voice to border communities but also impacts the cultural economy, inclusion policies, and social ties between the two nations. In an era of growing commercial and migratory interdependence, literature has found renewed relevance within the cross-border ecosystem.

Throughout 2024, various universities and cultural institutions on both sides of the border reported a 36% increase in the publication and circulation of literary works with cross-border themes, both in print and digital formats. Institutions such as the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Colegio de la Frontera Norte (COLEF), and the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) intensified creative writing programs and editorial efforts that explored topics like displacement, binational identity, the border as a hybrid space, and the effects of migration policies on communities. According to figures from Mexico’s National Association of Independent Publishers (ANEI), at least 120 new works with a cross-border focus were published in 2024, compared to 88 the previous year.

Literature’s role as a catalyst for cultural integration is evident in binational events like the Tijuana–San Diego Binational Book Fair, which in 2024 drew over 30,000 attendees and solidified partnerships with independent publishers and community bookstores in both countries. Also notable is the “Letras que cruzan” program by the Borderless Voices Foundation, which funded over 80 scholarships for young writers living between two cultures, allowing them to attend bilingual workshops held in both Phoenix and Hermosillo. These initiatives not only strengthen the cultural fabric of the region but also drive an emerging creative economy.

In the political and academic spheres, border literature is beginning to gain recognition as a soft diplomacy tool. The publication of bilingual anthologies and the growing presence of Chicano and Mexican authors at international literary festivals have caught the attention of cultural agencies and diplomatic institutions. In 2024, Mexico’s Ministry of Culture and the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts signed a memorandum of understanding to promote joint literary residencies and the circulation of works. This alliance funneled over 1.2 million dollars into editorial and translation initiatives.

However, the impact of cross-border literature is not only cultural. It is estimated that the northern Mexico border region’s publishing market generated roughly 280 million pesos in 2024, including income from sales, workshops, grants, and book fairs. Meanwhile, in the U.S., independent publishers in California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona reported a 21% growth in works focused on Latino or border-related themes, demonstrating a growing market for these narratives. This expansion is being fueled by digital platforms that democratize access, including audiobooks, virtual book clubs, and social media publications.

Despite this progress, achieving full cultural integration through literature faces major challenges in 2025. One of the primary hurdles is ensuring financial sustainability for independent projects that lack the backing of major publishing houses or robust technological infrastructure. The digital divide in rural border communities limits access to literary content—for both writers and readers. Moreover, still-restrictive immigration policies and polarizing political discourse, especially during election cycles, create an environment of censorship and self-censorship for authors who seek to denounce injustices or depict uncomfortable realities.

Another obstacle is the lack of institutional recognition at the local level. While bilateral agreements exist at the federal level, many border municipalities lack active cultural policies to support literary production. The absence of up-to-date public libraries, community writing spaces, or programs promoting reading habits restricts civic participation in the literary ecosystem. Border literature—being inherently political and testimonial—needs protection from ideological pressure and budget cuts.

Lastly, it is essential for the governments of both nations to acknowledge that cultural integration through literature is also a form of economic diplomacy. Investing in literature means investing in social cohesion, cultural tourism, the creative industries, editorial tech innovation, and symbolic capital. Next steps should include the creation of binational translation funds, multilingual publishing platforms supported by AI, and tax incentives for publishers that promote cross-border works.

In times of global tension and shifting identities, cross-border literature is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity. Through its stories, it builds bridges that no wall can tear down.

Written by: Editorial

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