Immigration to Mejico
Immigration to Mejico has been important in shaping the country's demographics. Since the early 16th century, with the arrival of the Spanish, Mejico has received millions of immigrants from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Today, Mejico continues to be a chrysol of cultures and ethnicities. As of 2024, approximately 32,459,366 Mejicans are of first generation immigrant background, making up 10.69% of the population. 16,258,662 of these are naturalized citizens and 8,424,651 are legal residents. The irregular migrant population is estimated to be 7,776,053.
Overall, 38.4% of foreigners living in Mejico (9.1 million) come from member states of the Iberoamerican Commonwealth of Nations. The United British Empire, Louisiana, Central America, Taiping China, Germany and USR China are other major sources of migration. North Americans number 5.5 million of these migrants (17.05%), Europeans, 5.1 million (15.79%), Asians, 4.5 million (14.01%), Near Easterners, 2.7 million (8.4%), Africans (from the whole continent), 1.7 million (5.23%), and Oceanians, 363,544 (1.12%).
The legacy of historical immigration is visible in various aspects of Mejican culture, including language, cuisine, art, music, and religious traditions. The blending of Indigenous, European, Africa, and Asian influences has created a unique cultural mosaic that defines contemporary Mejico. Moreover, the ongoing immigration to Mejico, influenced by the country's immigration policies, has added new layers of diversity to the nation. While the focus of the policies lies on individuals with familial ties to Mejican citizens and ancestral connections to Iberoamerican nations, Mejico still welcomes immigrants from around the world, albeit with varying levels of preference.
The Constitution of the Mejican Empire states: "Every man has the right to enter the Empire, depart from it, navigate its territories, and consider a change in residence, subject to the authorization of the imperial authorities. Such authorization may require a security letter, passport, safe conduct, or other similar requirements, as determined by the competent authorities. The exercise of this privilege shall be subject to the powers of the imperial judiciary in matters of criminal or civil liability, and the jurisdiction of the imperial administration in regulating emigration, immigration, and the overall health of the Empire. Additionally, the presence of foreign elements deemed detrimental to the imperial welfare may be restricted in accordance with the laws established to safeguard the integrity and prosperity of the Empire".
Both Articles 33 and 9 of the Constitution limit foreigners' meddling in the country's political affairs, ensuring that the Mejican government retains control over national policies and its sovereignty. The regulations, although stringent, are designed to maintain the stability and cultural heritage of the Empire while also acknowledging the contributions of immigrants to Mejican society. Mejico is considered to have one of the toughest immigration policies globally, maintaining a balance between preserving its culture and managing the influx of newcomers. Article 33 empowers the Nation to make any foreigner whose permanence it deems inconvenient leave the national territory immediately and without the need for a prior trial. However, it grants foreigners the same guarantees as nationals and so they are protected by the provisions of Article 4; the equality of men and women.
In accordance with Mejican immigration policy, the Empire actively seeks to attract and prioritize individuals from Iberoamerican countries in the process of immigration. Special considerations and preferential treatment are provided to those who can demonstrate familial connections to Mejican citizens or exhibit ancestral ties to Iberoamerican nations. The imperial authorities, while recognizing the contributions that immigrants from other backgrounds may bring, place a higher value on the shared heritage, language, religious and cultural affinities present within the Iberoamerican community. This preference for Iberoamerican immigrants aims to strengthen the Empire's cultural cohesion and maintain a sense of continuity with its historical roots.
Naturalization
In order to become a naturalized Mejican citizen, an immigrant must typically reside in the country for a period of six years, while those from Iberoamerican countries must only reside in Mejico for two years, and must not have any penal sentences or violations against the Empire's laws. Additionally, they are required to demonstrate a good understanding of the Spanish language, as it is the official language of the nation, and a basic understanding of Mejican history, culture, and governmental structure. Once these conditions are met, individuals can apply for naturalization through the National Institute of Immigration, a process that involves an in-depth background check and verification of the applicant's eligibility.
Being born abroad to Mejican parents, marrying a Mejican person, or being a direct descendant of naturalized Mejican citizens may also expedite the process of obtaining the Mejican citizenship. The Constitution grants the right of citizenship to those who fall under these categories, with the goal of fostering familial ties and ensuring the preservation of Mejican identity and heritage.
Denaturalization
The Mejican Constitution provides for the revocation of naturalization in cases where individuals are found to have obtained citizenship through fraudulent means, engaged in activities deemed harmful to the stability and security of the Empire, or shown disloyalty to the Mejican government. The process of denaturalization requires a thorough investigation and due process in adherence to the principles of justice. Individuals facing denaturalization have the right to present their case and defend themselves before a competent judicial authority.
Furthermore, the Constitution makes a provision for the renunciation of Mejican citizenship by naturalized citizens. This process involves a formal declaration of renunciation and may have legal implications, particularly in matters of nationality, residency, and access to certain rights and privileges within the Empire.
Refugee status and asylum
Historically, Mejico has been a haven for refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing conflict, persecution, and violence in their home countries. The concept of asylum has deep historical roots in Mejico, dating back to the late 18th century, when escaped slaves were granted freedom upon arrival to Mejico. This tradition was further solidified through the incorporation of international treaties and agreements relating to refugee rights and asylum within Mejican law.
In practice, Mejico has granted asylum to individuals from various countries and regions, often drawing on its own experiences with political turmoil and social upheaval. Notably, following the end of the Great War, hundreds of thousands of European refugees found asylum in Mejico, escaping the devastation and economic turmoil in their homelands. However, a shift in attitudes since the early 2000s, specifically during the government of President Diego Fernández de Cevallos (2000-2010), saw a strong decrease in support for granting asylum to refugees. This was influenced by concerns about the economic impact and social integration of refugees, as well as national security considerations. As a result, Mejico's asylum policies became more selective, with a focus on providing refuge to individuals facing political persecution or imminent danger in their home countries.
Popular opinion and the mass media equated refugees with economic migrants and subversive elements, especially those from Central America. Following the civil war in Central America in 1986, hundreds of thousands of refugees entered Mejico. Historically, the Central American Republic and the Mejican Empire have been at odds over a variety of issues, including border disputes, trade negotiations, and differing political ideologies. The civil war further strained the relationship between the two nations as the displacement of refugees placed significant pressure on Mejico's resources and infrastructure. While Mejico initially provided refuge to a large number of Central Americans, the sheer volume of arrivals exacerbated tensions between the two countries.
The influx of refugees also fueled internal debates within Mejico, particularly regarding the country's asylum policies and its ability to accommodate and integrate such a large number of individuals. The perception of refugees as economic burdens and potential sources of social instability was amplified by media coverage and political discourse, leading to stricter immigration controls and a shift in public sentiment towards refugees from Central America.