Mexico has introduced a bilingual anthem dedicated to Mexican migrants residing in the United States, a move intended to recognize their contributions and loyalty. This initiative, spearheaded by President Claudia Sheinbaum, arrives at a complex time, as Mexico grapples with ongoing challenges related to migration, including the mistreatment of migrants within its borders.
President Sheinbaum presented the “Migrant Hymn” during her morning news briefing, highlighting the song’s blend of English and Spanish lyrics. A key phrase, “where we are from, no nos rajamos” (we don’t give up), encapsulates the resilience and determination often associated with the migrant experience. Sheinbaum lauded Mexican migrants as “heroes,” primarily acknowledging their significant financial contributions to Mexico. Remittances sent home by these migrants reached an impressive $63 billion last year, underscoring their economic importance to the nation. The hymn also emphasizes the enduring connection migrants maintain with their homeland, with lyrics proclaiming “Cambiamos de lugar, no de bandera” (we change our location, not our flag). This line seeks to reinforce the idea that despite living abroad, their national identity and allegiance remain with Mexico.
However, this symbolic gesture occurs against a backdrop of stark realities for migrants in Mexico. While the hymn celebrates Mexican migrants in the U.S., it contrasts sharply with the experiences of other migrant populations currently in Mexico. An estimated 11 million Mexicans reside in the United States, with around 5 million lacking proper documentation. Many of these individuals initially left Mexico due to factors such as violence and limited economic opportunities. This raises questions about the extent to which these migrants maintain strong ties with the Mexican government, considering the circumstances of their departure.
Furthermore, the unveiling of the hymn coincided with troubling news from Reynosa, a northern border city. A migrant shelter in Reynosa announced it had reached its capacity and could no longer accept new arrivals due to rampant kidnappings of migrants by criminal gangs operating in the area. Rev. Héctor Silva, who manages the Senda de la Vida (Path of Life) shelter in Reynosa, across the border from McAllen, Texas, described the perilous situation. He stated that the danger posed by cartels in the city is so severe that police are now required to escort migrants to their appointments for U.S. asylum applications, ensuring their safety from potential kidnappings.
“Until people have security and they stop kidnapping migrants when they arrive … we don’t want any more arriving,” Rev. Silva emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures for migrants in the region. Adding to the complexities of the situation, a new migrant caravan commenced its journey north from Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border, on the same Wednesday the hymn was presented. These migrants expressed their frustration at being consistently blocked by the Mexican government from proceeding through the country. However, the prospects for this caravan, and others like it, are bleak. In November, Mexican authorities disbanded two similar caravans, demonstrating the government’s stance on such mass movements of people.
Historically, large migrant caravans attempting to reach the U.S. border by walking or hitchhiking have faced significant obstacles. While earlier caravans in 2018 and 2019 received assistance with transportation for part of their journey, no caravan since has successfully reached the U.S. border in a cohesive manner. Mexican law enforcement and immigration officials have frequently intercepted, harassed, and prevented caravans from progressing, often rounding up migrants and returning them to southern regions near Guatemala.
A recent report by Doctors Without Borders underscores the dire situation faced by migrants in Mexico. The report states that “hundreds of thousands of migrants, the majority of whom are crossing to reach the United States, fall into limbo in Mexico, hemmed in by violence.” This report paints a concerning picture of Mexico as a dangerous bottleneck for migrants seeking passage to the United States, despite the government’s efforts to honor Mexican migrants abroad with a symbolic hymn. The unveiling of this hymn, therefore, presents a nuanced narrative – one that acknowledges the value of Mexican migrants in the U.S. while simultaneously highlighting the precarious and often perilous reality for migrants within Mexico itself.
