Trying their luck back home
Turned away by struggling U.S., Mexican immigrants building businesses at home
By JAMES PINKERTON
Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle
March 29, 2009, 10:31PM


LEON, MEXICO— For generations, people of this central Mexican state have trekked to the U.S. and labored on farms and ranches, in factories and construction.

But now this traditional exodus is reversing itself in ways that could profoundly impact both Mexico and America: Immigrants returning to their native lands are starting industries and businesses so they can stay home.

By many measures and anecdotal evidence, waves of illegal immigrants are leaving the U.S. and returning to countries such as Mexico because of the tough economy and immigration enforcement. To respond to this trend, the Mexican government in recent years has increased funding for projects run by immigrants who have returned.

In Guanajuato, a variety of industries have started: a women’s cooperative producing restaurant tablecloths, a tequila distillery and a factory to assemble tote bags for California wineries.

Susana Guerra, director of migrant affairs for Guanajuato state, said immigrants who return home usually have some money set aside and want to use it to start a business. “So we are working ... to have projects for them to have an opportunity for them to be a businessman in the community,â€