In the coming years, Mexico finds itself at a crossroads of deciding whether to continue being a buffer for migration or transform into a nation that offers opportunities. According to experts, if the country persists in the first model, it will face a deeper humanitarian, social, and security crisis by 2035. Conversely, if it opts for an integration strategy, it could become a country with a functional migration model, a strengthened economy, and a relevant role in global migration governance.
Mexico has the opportunity to change its stance on migration. To achieve this, it is suggested to move towards a system that absorbs migrants in a planned manner, strategically distributing them in regions where their presence contributes economically instead of allowing their concentration in crisis areas. Regularization and granting of temporary work permits should become structural policies and not simply emergency programs.
In this sense, it is crucial for Mexico to start rethinking its relationship with migration before it is too late. Given the possibility of a deeper crisis by 2035, it is imperative for the country to adopt an intelligent migration strategy that allows it to properly manage migration flows. Otherwise, it could face humanitarian crises on its territory and become an involuntary destination for thousands of migrants.
The importance of preparing for the new migration order that looms on the horizon is highlighted. By 2035, a completely different migration map is anticipated compared to the current one, with a constantly evolving migration flow and a significantly changing dynamic. Mexico, being one of the largest economies in Latin America, is likely to become a more permanent destination for various population groups.
It is fundamental to understand that migration is not a transitory phenomenon, and massive displacements are expected to increase considerably worldwide in the 21st century. For Mexico, this transformation could represent an opportunity for economic stability, considering the aging of its population and the declining birth rate. Investment in infrastructure, housing, and employment for migrants is framed as an investment in the stability and growth of the country.
Ultimately, Mexico faces crucial decisions regarding migration that will impact its future in 2035. It is imperative to abandon containment and deportation policies to pave the way for strategies that turn migration into a driver of development and growth. International cooperation, along with the proper management of migration flows, presents itself as fundamental axes to ensure the well-being of those migrating and of the receiving society.
