Are There Undocumented Americans Living and Working Illegally in Mexico? The Yucatan Times
go to original June 7, 2015

Mexico has taken steps to allow the increasing number of foreigners who flood into the country each year, whether legally or illegally, to apply for citizenship. (Al Jazeera)

The issue of undocumented Mexican migrants in America is widely reported. But what about the thousands of Americans living illegally south of the border? Does anybody know why they come, and why Mexicans aren’t yet making an issue about it?

Last year about 1,000 US citizens were questioned over irregularities in their immigration status, according to Mexican authorities. They face a modest fine – up to $50 – if officials find them working without a permit or living in Mexico without proper documents.

Those who lose their visas or are asked to leave the country and then discovered to be overstaying are fined up to $400.

But truth is, the National Migration Institute in Mexico has absolutely no idea just how many Americans are living or working illegally in Mexico.

There are no advocacy groups defending American aliens in Mexico. Mexican politicians haven’t raised it as a major issue – a far cry from the controversy around illegal migration on the other side of the border.

With thousands of people from Central America crossing into Mexico illegally every year, and the threat from drug gangs and human traffickers on their way to the US, the presence of undocumented Americans is considered little more than a minor issue for Mexico’s immigration services.

Read the rest at The Yucatan Times

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