“Many people are literally panicking and trying hard to apply for residency now. Most Mexican consulates where residency starts are booked for appointments until January.”
“I’m considering permanent residency and have been informed that specific Mexican consulates in the US are more challenging than others. Which consulates would provide the best opportunity for a successful application? Many thanks!” says a post on Facebook.
Soon, a massive response follows, offering tips, suggestions, and support.
These are the ‘other’ deported: Americans, many of whom are seeking to migrate to another country before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
“Many people are literally panicking and trying hard to apply for residency now. Most Mexican consulates where residency starts are booked for appointments until January. Some in the US who have a Mexican spouse are at this moment selling everything, including homes. They are doing everything possible to leave the US as soon as possible,” said Lic. Sonia Díaz, who runs an advisory agency for foreigners looking to migrate to Mexico. Her agency is based in the town of San Miguel de Allende, in the state of Guanajuato, a place populated by thousands of Americans.
Díaz also coordinates the popular Facebook group Expats in Mexico, which has more than 250,000 members. In this group, various questions are posted, ranging from how to buy a phone, to traveling within Mexico, and how to obtain permanent or temporary residency.
“They are doing everything possible to leave the US as soon as possible,” said Lic. Sonia Díaz, who runs an advisory agency for foreigners looking to migrate to Mexico. Her agency is based in the town of San Miguel de Allende, in the state of Guanajuato.
The expat community, as many of them call themselves, has changed the reasons why they are migrating. According to Sonia, “The vast majority are retired. There was a significant increase in digital nomads during and just after Covid. That has leveled off, and digital nomads now make up a small percentage of people coming to live in Mexico. There is no special visa for them. They must apply for a temporary resident visa and meet the financial requirements, the same as retirees or anyone else wishing to live in Mexico. There are also young families with children moving to Mexico, though in small numbers. The largest family I have assisted with residency has 10 children.”
However, she warns of the increasing demand for services at Mexican consulates in the US, as many people are eager to leave sooner rather than later.
“I am planning to retire in Mexico. I lived in Mexico many years ago and I am fluent in Spanish, so I’ll know my way around, more or less. When you move outside the United States, you keep your Social Security but you lose your Medicare. I want to qualify for the necessary visas, but I’m not sure I would immediately qualify for the public health system known in Mexico as Seguro Social, but not the same as American Social Security,” writes another user.
According to an NBC report, Americans disappointed with the outcome of the US election took their anguish online, with searches related to moving abroad surging following the results of the presidential race. Google Trends showed that searches related to “leaving the country” and “how to move to…” spiked after the news that Donald Trump would be returning to the White House.
Those searching for “can I move to another country” were highest in two pivotal “blue wall” swing states — Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which NBC News called for Trump — as well as Oregon, Minnesota, and Indiana. A survey conducted earlier this month found that 21% of Americans said they would consider moving abroad if their preferred candidate lost the race. However, the sentiment seemed more based on frustration rather than actual intention, according to the survey by Casino.org, which provides news and research for gamers.
The most popular cities that expats are seeking to move to are coastal areas, attracting a younger demographic working remotely who are looking at cities like Mexico City.
“Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel, Mexico City, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Ajijic/Chapala, Tulum, Merida, Guadalajara are some of the most popular,” says Díaz. She estimates that the current number of Americans living in Mexico is around one million.
“About 85% come as temporary residents and 15% as permanent residents. A temporary resident may bring a car. And often, a person seeking residency has to be retired for consulate staff to issue a permanent resident visa,” Díaz adds.
In light of the demand to migrate, Díaz is more than ready.
“My main office is in San Miguel, where I had 988 immigration processes in 2023 and more than 8,000 over 13 years. This is many times more than any individual, office, lawyer, etc., thanks to my extensive experience, treating clients with respect and promptness. I have not had one immigration process declined.” she proudly mentions.
American ‘invasion’ in Mexico: Record numbers of Americans living in that country
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