Record deportations

Across the country, the situation is similar.

The number of Mexicans leaving their country for the US declined from more than one million in 2006 to 404,000 in 2010, a reduction of 60%, research by the Pew Hispanic Center suggests

Many Mexicans have decided either to stay or return voluntarily, but others have been forced to come back home.

Deportations have reached record levels under President Barack Obama’s administration.

The average number of deportations of illegal immigrants has been 400,000 per year since 2009, 30% higher than during President George W Bush’s second term.

The return of the ‘paisanos’ (friends or compatriots), may also change the country’s economy.

Mexico is heavily dependent on remittances from its nationals abroad; they represent the country’s third-largest source of income after oil and tourism.

Remittances sent to Mexican nationals last year totalled $22.7bn, according to the National Bank of Mexico. This is less than was being sent before 2008’s downturn, when more than $26bn dollars were sent every year.

“

There is a new culture coming from the north that is changing our communities”

                      Carmen Dorantes Returning migrant welfare director

Mexicans are bringing back American know-how, culture and money, which the authorities hope they will invest in Mexico.

“People come with their assets to establish new businesses. Those returning may speak three languages – English, Spanish and their local indigenous language. They have new skills. In a way, it will be easier for them to find a job than for those who never left the country,” Mrs Dorantes says.

And that might cause some misgivings in the local communities, as the returning migrants change the make-up of their home towns, local authorities fear.