The migration phenomenon is a reality that will not stop. The multiple records of the increase in people who are in global cross-border mobility – including families, women and minors alone – as well as the danger of the irregular routes they travel and which sometimes leads them to risk their lives. , is directly proportional to the lack of opportunities, socioeconomic deficiencies and insecurity that migrants experience in their countries of origin. Added to the above is the lack of policies that lead to safe, regular and orderly management of the migration phenomenon.

3.6 percent of the world’s total population are migrants, and the majority do so to seek better job opportunities. The migration corridor between Mexico and the United States represents about 4 percent of global migration, that is, it is the largest in the world and also the most lethal land crossing.

Recent figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) report a general increase of 62 percent in the migratory flow to Mexico bound for the United States and a 59 percent increase in unaccompanied minors; In addition, almost daily, Mexican immigration authorities report the location of migrants traveling from south to north who are transported by traffickers. At the same time, Mexico ranks – along with Spain – as the third country in the world with the highest number of new asylum seekers after the United States and Germany.

The reality we face as a country historically of expulsion, transit and return of migrants, is that we are also a host nation, adding new challenges to address: care of the Mexican diaspora, the transit of regional and transcontinental migrants, and the socioeconomic integration of returning compatriots and foreigners.

The migratory context seems to go beyond us, with examples of the urgency of the situation around the world. The Mexican Government has made an effort to address it through productive and social programs in the Mexican southeast and the Central American Northern Triangle that are aimed at solving the root causes of migration.

However, the need to migrate continues.

As I have written previously, it is necessary to establish bilateral and regional agreements, as well as appropriate public policies for the management of safe and regular migration routes. The participation of all the countries involved is required, being clear that this is a multidimensional phenomenon that must be tackled from a human and empathetic perspective with agile solution proposals based on data analysis, with coordinated prevention and monitoring schemes. of crimes against migrants, and implement legislative frameworks and public policies towards social and productive integration in host countries.

Mexico is a key actor in migration management, and therefore its capacity and responsibility must be solid and resilient. We must be leaders in the implementation of short, medium and long-term actions, with flexible migration and temporary circular mobility schemes that ensure access to decent labor markets, enable bilateral training projects for the training of people who wish to migrate , but also with measures that consolidate the permanence of people in their country of origin, exploring programs towards the productive investment of remittances and the socioeconomic integration of migrants. Achieving this would materialize the migration phenomenon as an important part of local, national, regional and global sustainable development, always with the full participation of all levels of Government, civil society and the business sector, as well as with the Governments of the United States, Canada and of the Latin American region.

ricardomonreala@yahoo.com.mx

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