Mexican Migration to U.S. Border Towns: What the Data Shows

Mexican Migration to U.S. Border Towns: What the Data Shows

Contrary to common perception, there is no evidence that Mexicans are moving to towns near the U.S. border in larger numbers than usual. Since 2010, the net migration rate between the United States and Mexico has been negative—meaning more people move from Mexico to the U.S. than vice versa.

This trend reflects broader economic and policy dynamics rather than a localized surge toward border communities. Understanding migration requires looking at long-term patterns, not anecdotal impressions.