The financial resilience of those who have worked hard to support their families is at risk with the arrival of new emotional and financial burdens after decades of effort. The situation is further aggravated by gender and age gaps, according to the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).
The deportations of migrants, which continue to rise, are having consequences not only legally but also economically and emotionally. Many people live in a constant state of anxiety that affects their job stability and ability to send money regularly to their families, impacting not only the flow of remittances but also the mental and emotional health of migrants and their families in Mexico.
Older adults, especially women, are at the center of this silent crisis, facing instabilities in remittances and the consequences of the forced return of family members. The decrease in remittances in February of this year reflects a constant fear of being detained or deported, leading many migrants to reduce their work activity.
It is necessary to implement policies that protect these populations in times of economic and migratory uncertainty. Tailored financial education, access to financial products, community support networks, and comprehensive public policies are key to building a system that recognizes the importance of older adults and women in the stability of Mexican households.
The sustained increase in food, medicine, and transportation prices, exacerbated by inflation and the trade war between the U.S. and China, primarily impacts households that depend on remittances. The financial vulnerability of older adult women is worsened by factors such as low income, limited support networks, and lower financial literacy.
Dependence on remittances becomes an additional source of stress and uncertainty, especially with changing migration policies. Receiving communities are affected by wage reductions and competition for precarious jobs, while older adults must assume roles as caregivers and economic supporters when family members return without employment or social security.
In light of this scenario, it is essential to rethink strategies that strengthen the financial resilience of these vulnerable populations and enable them to adapt and recover from economic challenges.
