Egypt Daily News – An increasing number of Americans are moving to Mexico in an unprecedented reverse migration, rejecting Trump’s hardline policies and the political and social crisis within the United States. This decision stems from a deep sense of insecurity and disappointment resulting from the erosion of civil rights, sharp financial cuts, rising discrimination, and the growing polarization within society.
Testimonials from some of these individuals offer a realistic view of the motivations behind this exodus, as many seek a more stable and free life outside the United States, hoping to build a new future marked by security and social justice.
Some Americans, including those of Mexican descent, have chosen to leave their country and settle in Mexico, fleeing the policies of Republican President Donald Trump in a wave described as “reverse migration” that is unprecedented.
These individuals have flocked to Mexico City, where the number of Americans residing there has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic, amid widespread discrimination, severe financial cuts, rights regression, and escalating political polarization within the United States.
Data published in 2023 by an organization representing the interests of Americans abroad showed that reverse migration was responsible for around one million Americans living in Mexico, accounting for 20% of the five million Americans living outside the country.
Many of those who left the United States expressed their loss of confidence in the future of their country, repeating a single phrase: “The United States is declining.”
“I no longer feel safe”
Tiffany Nicole, a 45-year-old financial consultant, moved to Mexico City after George Floyd’s killing by police in May 2020. She said, “I no longer feel safe in my country as a Black person.”
Tiffany had considered returning to Chicago to see her daughter, but Trump’s re-election dashed her hopes. She explained: “In November, I was in Chicago waiting for the election results. I met with my family, and now I am thinking about how to get them out of the country.”
Nicole pointed out that the United States is witnessing a sharp decline in civil rights and LGBTQ rights, as well as a skyrocketing increase in the prices of medications. She added: “Everyone is affected by the situation.”
Since Trump’s return to the White House in January, the U.S. administration has canceled diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, considering them to be sources of “illegal and immoral discrimination.” He also called for the removal of the “Black Lives Matter” mural.
“I no longer see my residence in the U.S.”
Li Jiménez, a 38-year-old yoga instructor and sports influencer, left New York City in 2022, accusing Trump of unleashing violence against Black people, Latinos, and the LGBTQ community. He said, “I began noticing discrimination even in small details. I recently came back from Los Angeles, where my friends and I, all of us Black, were forced to sit at the back of a fancy restaurant despite better seats being available.”
He added, “I no longer see my residence in the United States. The American dream has faded, and in Mexico, I live in peace.”
Oscar Gómez, a 55-year-old corporate management consultant, arrived in Mexico City three weeks ago, carrying seven bags and his dog, Iggy, driven by Trump’s return to power. He said: “His first term was terrifying, and when I watch the news about America, I feel relieved that I am not there.”
Gómez explained that his income dropped after the cancellation of the diversity programs he had worked with, adding, “Ironically, my parents left Mexico for the U.S. in search of a better life, and now I am returning to Mexico for the same reason.”
