The large-scale increase in the flow of migrants into large cities, such as the capital, is inevitable due to the complex economic, social, and environmental realities of their countries of origin. Therefore, one of the main challenges in urban and territorial planning is their integration into the city fabric, according to a document prepared by the Economic and Social Council of Mexico City.
This implies that authorities must strive to provide housing, services, infrastructure, and areas of social integration for this population in the face of the consolidation of informal settlements in plazas and parks, especially in municipalities such as Cuauhtémoc, Gustavo A. Madero, Venustiano Carranza, and Tláhuac.
The report, entitled “New Migrations in Mexico City,” whose purpose is to offer proposals for the socio-environmental integration of foreigners, indicates that in 2023 alone, 48,000 people from different countries arrived, of whom 28,000 obtained temporary or permanent residency, while 20,000 received a document granting them visitor status for humanitarian reasons.
Its diagnosis highlights that migrant camps have generated situations of conflict and hostility that trigger disputes between social groups. As a result, public space becomes a setting where its appropriation by the resident and migrant populations converges on particular interests and does not foster the integration of different groups, identity, and social cohesion.
Thus, in addition to a large number of internal migrants, mainly from the south and southeast of the country seeking better employment, educational, and life opportunities, Mexico City is also a destination for people from various parts of the world, especially Central America, Venezuela, Haiti, and, to a lesser extent, Africa and Asia.
In this regard, the Mexico City Economic and Social Council advocated for implementing laws and regulations that recognize the rights of migrants and people with humanitarian protection needs, as well as strengthening the protection of public places and green areas, and establishing collaboration agreements with international organizations and non-governmental organizations for their protection and assistance.
It also recommends increasing the supply of affordable housing, improving the capacity of public services, expanding and improving access to healthcare, and conducting awareness and education campaigns to combat discrimination and promote cultural and social inclusion. It also proposes a Spanish language teaching program in addition to intercultural education.
In this regard, it proposes the creation of a comprehensive care center for migrants, along with a labor and entrepreneurship program, as well as one for access to education and recognition of academic degrees, among other actions.
