Between Cuba and the US, Yucatán faces new immigration reality
Yucatán is facing a new immigration reality with the arrival of Cuban rafters and the potential mass deportation of Yucatecan migrants when Donald Trump takes office as U.S. President.
Miguel Ángel Martínez Contreras, president of Poder Migrante Mexicano (Mexican Migrant Power), says in Diario de Yucatán that the state is unprepared for this challenge, which could trigger social and economic instability.
Starting Jan. 20, with Trump’s inauguration, deportations are expected to intensify, but the state government hasn’t offered any solutions, Diario reports.
Martínez explains that his organization sent a document to the state government in November outlining the potential situation and proposing a solution, but they haven’t received a response. They were given an appointment for February when they requested a public hearing.
“When the problem becomes evident, they’ll say ‘we should have done something, planned ahead’ instead of acting now,” he laments.
He emphasizes that one of the biggest challenges will be the drop in remittances, which currently represent 12% of the state budget.
Impact on Yucatán
With the possible deportation of 10,000 to 15,000 Yucatecans who send money from abroad, this percentage could drop to 7-8%, affecting the local economy and commerce. “Without remittance money, if someone used to sell 100 packets of cookies, they’ll now only sell 80 or fewer,” Martínez explains.
His organization is preparing a new proposal for the state’s new transportation chief, Jacinto Sosa Novelo, requesting affordable public transportation for migrants and their families. For example, people from Peto would pay $60 instead of $120 for travel to Mérida.
They’re also requesting that migrants’ families have access to the Va y Ven card with a social rate of $3, similar to what seniors receive.
The former Caimede building, which was announced as a potential migrant shelter, will serve immigrants from Haiti, Colombia, Venezuela, and Central America -— not the thousands of deported Yucatecans who will return to their homes, mostly in the state’s interior.
Martínez warns that although Mérida is seen as peaceful, the lack of employment for returnees could lead to violence, theft, and vandalism. Additionally, unemployment could make migrants vulnerable to cartels, who might recruit them for extortion schemes.
The ‘Yucatecan Dream’
He notes that just as there’s an “American Dream,” there’s a “Yucatecan Dream,” as many want to live in Yucatán for its peace. However, this could be threatened by economic instability and a lack of jobs for deportees.
The exact number of migrants in the state is unknown, as only those legally present are registered. For example, it’s estimated there are 2,000 Colombians, but only 500 are legal residents. Regarding Cuban arrivals by sea, there are no accurate statistics, as Immigration and National Guard officials withhold information to avoid alarming the country or state, just as they do with crime and violence, he said.

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