Posted inUS

Is Mexico in the United States? Understanding the Relationship Between Two Nations

No Comments

It’s a common question, especially for those unfamiliar with North American geography: Is Mexico part of the United States? The straightforward answer is no. Mexico is not in the United States. It is an independent country, a sovereign nation with its own rich history, culture, government, and identity. However, the geographical proximity and deep historical ties between Mexico and the United States have created an intricate and multifaceted relationship that significantly impacts both nations.

To understand this relationship better, let’s delve into the facts. Mexico is located to the south of the United States, forming the southern border of the U.S. Together with Canada to the north of the U.S., these three countries make up the continent of North America. While geographically connected and sharing a long border, Mexico and the United States are distinct countries.

This article, as a resource from gaymexico.net, aims to clarify the relationship between these two North American neighbors, drawing upon factual information to provide a comprehensive overview. We will explore the various dimensions of the U.S.-Mexico relationship, highlighting why, despite close ties, Mexico remains a separate and vital nation.

A Deep Dive into U.S.-Mexico Relations

Mexico stands as one of the United States’ most crucial partners. Our shared 2,000-mile border, punctuated by 47 active land ports of entry, is more than just a line on a map; it’s a dynamic space of interaction and exchange. For over 200 years of formal diplomatic relations, a shared history has fostered profound cultural and people-to-people connections. This enduring bilateral relationship has a tangible impact on the daily lives and economic well-being of millions of individuals in both countries. The scope of this relationship is vast, encompassing critical areas such as:

  • Trade and Economic Development: Fueling prosperity and creating jobs on both sides of the border.
  • Education Exchange: Fostering mutual understanding and building bridges between future generations.
  • Citizen Security: Collaborating to ensure the safety and well-being of our populations.
  • Drug Control: Working together to combat the illicit drug trade and its devastating consequences.
  • Migration: Addressing migration flows in a humane and orderly manner.
  • Human Trafficking: Fighting against this abhorrent crime and protecting vulnerable populations.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Driving economic growth through collaboration and ingenuity.
  • Environmental Protection and Climate Change: Protecting our shared environment for future generations.
  • Public Health: Cooperating to address health challenges and improve public well-being.

The relationship transcends formal government interactions, permeating daily life through extensive commercial, cultural, and educational exchanges. Every day, hundreds of thousands of individuals legally cross the border for work, to visit family, or for tourism. It’s worth noting that approximately 1.6 million U.S. citizens reside in Mexico, and Mexico consistently ranks as the top international destination for U.S. travelers. This constant flow of people underscores the interconnectedness and interdependence of our two nations, while still emphasizing their distinct national identities.

Economic Interdependence and the USMCA

The economic ties between the U.S. and Mexico are exceptionally strong. In 2023, Mexico emerged as the United States’ leading goods trading partner, surpassing even China, with a staggering $807 billion in total two-way goods trade. To put this in perspective, U.S. goods trade with Canada totaled $782 billion, and with China $576 billion during the same period. This robust trade relationship highlights the deeply integrated supply chains that underpin our economies and bolster our global competitiveness. It’s estimated that U.S. exports to Mexico supported approximately 1.1 million American jobs in 2019 alone, demonstrating the tangible benefits of this economic partnership for the U.S. workforce.

Alt: A vibrant display of U.S. and Mexican flags waving side-by-side at a U.S.-Mexico border crossing, symbolizing the close relationship and shared border between the two nations.

The growth in trade has been remarkable. U.S. merchandise exports to Mexico have surged from $42 billion in 1993, prior to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to an impressive $322 billion in 2023. Mexico is a critical energy partner, consistently ranking as the second-largest source of foreign crude oil for the United States. It also serves as the primary destination for U.S. exports of petroleum products and natural gas. Beyond energy, major U.S. exports to Mexico include essential components for manufacturing and technology, such as motor vehicle parts, semiconductors, electronic components, basic chemicals, and computer equipment.

Furthermore, the United States is the largest foreign direct investor in Mexico, holding a total stock of $144.5 billion in 2023. Conversely, Mexican foreign direct investment in the United States reached $38.3 billion in the same year. These figures underscore the depth and mutuality of the economic relationship, with significant investment flowing in both directions.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which came into effect on July 1, 2020, further strengthens this economic partnership. The USMCA is designed to foster mutually beneficial trade, promote fairer markets, and drive robust economic growth across North America. It aims to create job opportunities, bolster agricultural trade, encourage investments in vital manufacturing sectors, and includes provisions to prohibit imports produced with forced labor. The agreement also incorporates crucial obligations related to worker protections, environmental safeguards, and the protection of intellectual property rights.

A key aspect of the USMCA is Mexico’s commitment to labor reforms. Mexico has overhauled its labor justice system to comply with the agreement. The USMCA also includes a Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) to address labor disputes related to the denial of worker rights at specific facilities. As of July 2024, the United States has utilized the RRM to seek Mexico’s review in 25 cases of alleged labor rights violations. Remarkably, 21 of these cases have been successfully resolved, directly benefiting over 36,000 workers and resulting in over $5 million in back pay and benefits. This mechanism demonstrates the commitment to fair labor practices within the trade agreement.

The USMCA is designed to be a living agreement, with a formal review scheduled every six years, the first in 2026. These periodic reviews ensure that the agreement remains beneficial for all participating countries and allows for the identification of emerging issues and potential revisions. While the agreement is currently set to terminate on July 1, 2036, it can be extended for additional 16-year periods by mutual agreement of all three countries after each review. Beyond the USMCA, Mexico maintains an extensive network of trade relationships, with 13 trade agreements encompassing 50 countries, along with numerous investment promotion and limited economic agreements, including pacts with major economies like Japan and the European Union, and partners across Latin America.

The U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) serves as another vital platform for strengthening economic cooperation. Senior government officials from both countries convene regularly for the HLED, with meetings in Washington, D.C. in September 2023 and a Mid-Year Review in April 2024. Through the HLED, the U.S. and Mexico have been collaborating since 2021 to deepen regional economic integration, enhance supply chain resilience, improve border conditions to facilitate trade and travel, expand trade in critical sectors like medical equipment, promote sustainable development in southern Mexico and northern Central America, and foster future prosperity by supporting regulatory compatibility in key sectors like information and communication technology and infrastructure. The dialogue also focuses on supporting small and medium-sized businesses and equipping workforces with the skills needed to thrive in the modern global economy. The HLED is co-chaired by high-level officials from the U.S. Departments of Commerce and State, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, highlighting the importance placed on this economic partnership.

Science and technology cooperation is another significant facet of the bilateral relationship. The U.S. and Mexico have a long history of collaboration in these fields, formalized by the 1972 Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation. This framework facilitates joint research in diverse areas such as health, meteorology, hydrology, earth sciences, and energy technology. Prominent U.S. science agencies like NOAA, NSF, NIST, NIH, USGS, NASA, and DOE actively participate in this robust bilateral scientific research. In a demonstration of deepening space cooperation, Mexico joined the Artemis Accords with NASA in 2021, becoming one of currently 43 signatories committed to the principles of responsible space exploration.

Shared Challenges, Collaborative Solutions: Migration and Border Management

Migration is a complex issue that demands close cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico. The two countries work together to address the root causes of irregular migration, promote lawful pathways for migration, and implement humane and effective migration management policies. These policies prioritize border control and security for both nations while upholding the human rights of migrants and ensuring access to international protection for those in need.

Mexico is an active member of the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM), a consultative forum of 11 member countries working to coordinate regional migration policies. RCM members are committed to addressing international migration within a multilateral framework that respects orderly movements and human rights. Mexico also participates in the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS), a regional application of the Global Compact for Refugees. MIRPS promotes collaboration among countries to prevent and respond to forced displacement within their borders and across the region. The United States actively supports MIRPS as a member and chair of its donor Support Platform, and through significant humanitarian funding contributions via international organizations.

The Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection further exemplifies the expanded cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in addressing migration. Through this declaration, both governments are committed to a humane and orderly approach to managing migration and addressing its root causes. The U.S. Government provides substantial support to international organizations and NGO partners working to meet the needs of asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable migrants in Mexico. Notably, U.S. funding has enabled the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to assist the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) in significantly increasing its asylum case registration and processing capacity – by an impressive 400 percent since 2018. Furthermore, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is actively involved in building the capacity of Mexico’s border and migration officials to manage migration humanely and to effectively coordinate with both Mexican and U.S. law enforcement agencies to enhance border security. INL programs also strengthen the ability of Mexican security and justice sector institutions to identify, investigate, and prosecute migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks.

Alt: U.S. Border Patrol agents diligently patrolling the banks of the Rio Grande River, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

Addressing the root causes of irregular migration in southern Mexico and northern Central America is a shared priority. The Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) launched “Sembrando Oportunidades” in December 2021 as a strategic collaboration framework for development cooperation focused on tackling these root causes. This initiative builds upon AMEXCID’s existing “Sembrando Vida” and “Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro” projects in El Salvador and Honduras, complementing USAID’s youth employment and agriculture projects in Central America. As of December 2023, “Sembrando Oportunidades” has already benefited 3,300 farmers and young people in Honduras and El Salvador. This successful collaboration has expanded to Guatemala, and includes cooperation with Global Affairs Canada in Honduras, further amplifying positive impacts for women and youth in the region. In southern Mexico, USAID is working directly with state and municipal governments, small rural and Indigenous communities, and businesses to stimulate job creation, increase sales and investment, and promote positive environmental outcomes. Over the past two years, USAID has mobilized over $33 million in economic development investments, improving economic opportunities for over 30,000 people in southern Mexico.

The U.S.-Mexico border region is a vibrant and dynamic area, home to approximately 15 million people. Cooperation along the border is essential and involves coordination between federal, state, and local officials on crucial issues such as cross-border infrastructure, transportation planning, and security. Collaboration also extends to institutions addressing migration, natural resources, environmental concerns, and public health challenges in the border region.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted in November 2021, represents a historic investment in U.S. infrastructure, allocating approximately $1.4 billion for construction and modernization projects at land ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. During their meeting in July 2022, the Presidents of the United States and Mexico reaffirmed their joint commitment to creating a more resilient, efficient, and safer border that enhances shared commerce. This collaborative effort seeks to align priorities, strengthen border communities, and streamline the flow of commerce and people while ensuring security and efficiency. Mexico has pledged to invest $1.5 billion in border infrastructure between 2022 and 2024, demonstrating its commitment to this shared vision.

The 21st Century Border Management Process (21CB), established in 2010, serves as a crucial binational mechanism to modernize and secure the border. High-level representatives from both governments meet annually in the 21CB Executive Steering Committee (ESC) to develop action plans that guide bilateral efforts to modernize and expand ports of entry, facilitate trade and travel, and strengthen public safety cooperation in the border region. The 21CB ESC convened most recently in January 2024.

The Binational Bridges and Border Crossings Group (BBBXG) is another vital multi-agency forum for advancing joint initiatives to improve the efficiency of existing border crossings and coordinate planning for new ones. The BBBXG meets three times annually, bringing together representatives from the 10 U.S. and Mexican border states, private sector stakeholders, and other public participants to discuss cross-border infrastructure issues. The BBBXG also addresses various federal, state, and local mechanisms impacting the border region, including Border Master Plans for coordinated infrastructure and development, and close collaboration on transportation and customs matters. The most recent BBBXG meeting took place in March 2024 in Mexico City.

Environmental and natural resource cooperation is a long-standing tradition between the U.S. and Mexico, particularly crucial in the border area facing challenges from rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change. Cooperative activities are undertaken through various mechanisms, including the North American Development Bank, the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation, the Border Health Commission, and numerous other agreements addressing the health of border residents, wildlife, migratory birds, national parks, and related issues.

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), established by treaty, plays a critical role in managing water resources and boundary preservation. The U.S. and Mexican Sections of the IBWC work closely to distribute water from the Rio Grande and Colorado River according to treaty stipulations. The IBWC also works to mitigate and prevent cross-border flows of untreated wastewater. In this capacity, the U.S. Section of IBWC is a key partner of the Environmental Protection Agency in planning and implementing major wastewater infrastructure projects, particularly in the Tijuana-San Diego area, funded by a $300 million appropriation under the USMCA implementation act.

Security Cooperation: A Shared Responsibility

Security is a paramount shared responsibility between the United States and Mexico. The fundamental principle is that neither country can be truly secure if the other is not. The level of security cooperation between Mexico and the United States is more critical than ever, particularly in the fight against the deadly threat of illicit fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and other dangerous drugs. Both nations are deeply committed to working together to protect the health and safety of their citizens, promote the development of vulnerable communities, prevent criminal organizations from operating with impunity, and pursue and bring criminals to justice.

The security partnership focuses on several key objectives: reducing the impact of illicit drugs, dismantling criminal organizations, reducing irregular migration, improving citizen security, combating impunity, countering illicit arms trafficking, and promoting human rights and the rule of law. U.S. funded training, equipment, and technical assistance are designed to complement Mexico’s own significant investments in building the capacity of its institutions and personnel to achieve these shared goals.

The Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities, adopted in 2021, provides a comprehensive roadmap for enhanced cooperation. Through this framework, the U.S. and Mexico are intensifying joint efforts to combat the production of synthetic and other illicit drugs, improve understanding and reduction of drug demand, increase drug interdictions, disrupt the illicit financial flows that fuel transnational criminal organizations, prosecute and convict members of these organizations, and reduce the flow of illicit firearms, bulk cash, and other contraband across the border. This collaboration has resulted in a more secure shared border, improved information sharing, and enhanced capabilities for both countries to confront transnational crime through professionally trained officials and state-of-the-art equipment. The third High-Level Security Dialogue in October 2023, and subsequent meetings, demonstrate the ongoing commitment to evaluating progress and developing new strategies under the Bicentennial Framework.

Alt: A collaborative meeting between U.S. and Mexican officials during the High-Level Security Dialogue, highlighting the joint efforts in security cooperation.

The partnership to combat transnational organized crime and drug trafficking is underpinned by a commitment to strengthening human rights and the rule of law. Between 2008 and 2024, the United States has appropriated approximately $3.4 billion in equipment, training, and capacity building assistance for Mexican justice and law enforcement sectors. This security cooperation facilitates the sharing of best practices and expands the capacity of police, prosecutors, and judges in both countries to track criminals, precursor chemicals, drugs, arms, and illicit financial flows, effectively disrupting transnational crime networks.

Building Bridges Through Education and Culture

Beyond economics and security, educational and cultural exchanges form a vital pillar of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. A robust array of programs supports young leaders, students, civil society, and entrepreneurs in both countries. These initiatives focus on English language learning, advancing STEM education, providing guidance on U.S. higher education opportunities, strengthening civil society, enhancing security procedures, preserving cultural heritage, and expanding economic opportunity.

Programs encompass a wide range of activities, including music and sports diplomacy initiatives like the International Sports Programming Initiative, Sports Visitor and Sports Envoy programs, the Global Sports Mentoring Program, and e-sports leadership programs for youth. Cultural preservation is supported through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. Entrepreneurship is fostered through programs like the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs. Leadership development programs include Jóvenes en Acción (Youth in Action) and the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative. The Study of the U.S. Institutes program offers courses targeting specific groups, including indigenous and Afro-Mexican women. Arts Envoy and American Music Abroad programming focuses on engaging with underserved communities. The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the TechCamp Program, and English language learning opportunities through initiatives like the English Access Microscholarship, Online Professional English Network (OPEN), and English Language Virtual Educator, Fellow & Specialist programs, provide valuable exchange and learning experiences. Collectively, over 40,000 individuals are alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs, forming a powerful network of binational connections.

Mission Mexico manages a network of seven American Spaces, open-access learning and gathering places that promote interaction and understanding between local audiences and the United States. The Benjamin Franklin Library, established in 1942, is a flagship American Space with deep historical ties to Mexico City. Six additional American Spaces are hosted in partner locations across Mexico. These spaces implement a wide range of activities and programs throughout the year to advance foreign policy goals, support civil society, encourage international exchanges, develop English language skills, promote economic prosperity, and foster entrepreneurship.

EducationUSA operates 23 advising centers throughout Mexico, providing free and unbiased information to Mexican students interested in pursuing higher education in the United States. Mexico is a significant source of international students to the U.S., ranking ninth worldwide and sixth among community colleges. Conversely, Mexico is the twelfth most popular study abroad destination for U.S. students. The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program assists highly qualified Mexican students who have been admitted to U.S. colleges and universities with full financial aid but lack the resources to cover upfront application costs.

The Fulbright Program in Mexico is one of the largest and most prestigious in the region. Since 1948, nearly 6,000 students, scholars, and teachers have participated in Fulbright exchanges, with many rising to prominent positions in various sectors. The binational Fulbright Commission, COMEXUS, was established in 1990 through an agreement between the two governments. Fulbright-COMEXUS exchange programs are funded by contributions from both the U.S. Department of State and the Mexican government. Since 1992, all Fulbright grants administered by the Commission have been named Fulbright-Garcia Robles grants, honoring Mexican Ambassador Emeritus and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Alfonso Garcia Robles.

Mexico is also a significant participant in the BridgeUSA program, a cultural and educational exchange program encompassing 13 categories. Notably, Mexico is one of the few countries where post-pandemic participation levels have exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The Jóvenes en Acción exchange program, a partnership between the U.S. Department of State, the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, brings Mexican high school students to the U.S. for a four-week exchange focused on leadership development, civic engagement, and community service.

The 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative, a signature hemispheric education program, promotes interregional networks and student mobility through innovative education exchange and training opportunities. The 100K Strong Innovation Fund supports competitions that benefit underserved students in both the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere, including Mexico. Mexico has emerged as a leader in 100K Strong partnerships, with 84 grants awarded to teams of higher education institutions in both countries.

Cultural heritage preservation is another area of collaboration. The year 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Mexico treaty on the recovery and return of stolen archaeological, historical, and cultural properties, the first international treaty of its kind. Through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the United States has provided $1.9 million in grants since 2002 for 11 projects to preserve Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

Mexico’s Role in the International Arena

Mexico is an active and influential member of the international community, playing a significant role in the United Nations and various regional organizations. Mexico was elected to a seat on the UN Economic and Social Council for 2021-2023. Both Mexico and the United States share membership in numerous international organizations, including APEC, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Energy Agency, the International Maritime Organization, the IMF, the OECD, the OAS, the World Bank, the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the WTO.

The North American Leaders’ Summit and the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, endorsed by 21 countries in the hemisphere, are key platforms for collaboration between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada on regional issues. Mexico is also a founding member of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, an initiative launched in 2023 to drive regional competitiveness and foster shared prosperity.

Bilateral Representation

The United States maintains a strong diplomatic presence in Mexico, with key embassy and consulate officials listed on the Department’s Key Officers List. Mexico has an embassy in Washington, D.C., serving as its primary diplomatic mission in the United States.

In conclusion, while the question “Is Mexico In The United States?” is definitively answered with a “no,” the reality is that Mexico and the United States are deeply intertwined nations. Their relationship is characterized by close economic, social, cultural, and political ties, built upon a shared history and geographical proximity. Understanding this complex and vital partnership is crucial in navigating the dynamics of North America and the broader global landscape. Mexico stands as a sovereign nation, a valued partner, and a distinct entity from the United States, contributing its unique strengths and perspectives to the region and the world.

Further Information:

For more in-depth information about Mexico and U.S.-Mexico relations, please consult the following resources:

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *