Thread: Majority of Mexico's illegal immigrants are U.S. expats

Published: Sept. 27, 2010
Updated: 10:06 a.m.

Report: Majority of Mexico's illegal immigrants are U.S. expats

BY CINDY CARCAMO
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Thousands of American adults living in Mexico are in the country illegally, according to a news report.

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Thousands of U.S. citizens are living illegally in Mexico, according to a news report published Monday in the GlobalPost.

"As in the United States, estimates of the number of illegal immigrants in Mexico are hard to come by. But the majority are ex-pats from the U.S., according to Mexico's federal bureau of immigration," wrote Meghan Sullivan, who wrote the story for the GlobalPost, an online news site that focuses on international news.

Oceanfront homes at the Los Gaviotas and Rosamar developments face the Pacific near Rosarito Beach, Mexico. New home developments, such as Rosamar, have sprung up along the coast hoping to attract American vacation home buyers

Americans find Mexico appealing as a retirement destination, with its warm climate, rich culinary tradition and reasonable prices on property, according to the story.

"A smaller number come for work or vacation and decide to stick around. And still others fall in love and eventually end up marrying and remaining in the country," the report stated.

If Mexican officials discover someone is living in the country illegally they require that person pay a fine and then begins the process of becoming a legal immigrant and eventual citizenship, Mexican officials told the GlobalPost.

The situation is different for those who have committed a criminal offense during their stay in Mexico or in their home countries. These people are subject to arrest and face jail time, according to the report.

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Contact the writer: 714-796-7924 or ccarcamo@ocregister.com

http://www.ocregister.com/news/mexico-2 ... lpost.html

If Mexican officials discover someone is living in the country illegally they require that person pay a fine and then begins the process of becoming a legal immigrant and eventual citizenship, Mexican officials told the GlobalPost.

Since when? I suspect this is just BS to try to justify we do that for IA Mexicans.

Are there 20 million or more of them? Do they get free medical and educational benefits. How about free housing and food stamps?

Originally Posted by Ratbstard

If Mexican officials discover someone is living in the country illegally they require that person pay a fine and then begins the process of becoming a legal immigrant and eventual citizenship, Mexican officials told the GlobalPost.

Since when? I suspect this is just BS to try to justify we do that for IA Mexicans.

I think that changed 2 or 3 years ago when Mexico dropped the prison sentence for being an illegal alien in Mexico.
And I suspect that only American illegal aliens get the "pay a fine and get citizenship" deal because they brought money with them. The Central and South Americans are still sent home, because they don't have any money to spend n Mexico.

A Mexican I used to do business with told me most of the Americans he knows living in Mexico are running from US law enforcement.

Originally Posted by Bowman

A Mexican I used to do business with told me most of the Americans he knows living in Mexico are running from US law enforcement.

Most Americans living in Mexico are actually retirees.

40,000 to 80,000 U.S. retirees living in Mexico

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-169024-ame ... are+mexico

Mexico should deport them. Oh but they have money.

Dixie

Last I heard its very hard for an American , legal or illegal to own property there.
You cannot be involved in politics

Why on earth would anybody want to live in that garbage dump anyway.

Especially now , "Rich" gringos are prime kidnap targets

Originally Posted by Justthefacts

Last I heard its very hard for an American , legal or illegal to own property there.
You cannot be involved in politics

Why on earth would anybody want to live in that garbage dump anyway.

Especially now , "Rich" gringos are prime kidnap targets

There some very nice retirement communities in Mexico, built just for Americans and other foreigners.
Gated communities near a small town, often on the beach.
I wouldn't live there but I know Americans who live in San Diego and own property in Mexico.
They go down for the weekend and vacations, with plans to live there when they retire.
They bought before the 2006 cartel wars started.
They don't go down as often as they used to.
Now they couldn't sell the property for half of what they paid for it if they wanted to.
Most are just keeping the property in hopes that things will improve there before they want to retire,
so that they can either live there or sell and live elsewhere.

MEXonline.com guide to Buying Property in Mexico - Real Estate

CAN FOREIGNERS REALLY OWN PROPERTY IN MEXICO?
Yes, Americans and other foreigners may obtain direct ownership of property in the interior of Mexico. . . .
www.mexonline.com/propmex.htm