In poverty, 16.5% of people of Mexican origin

At least 16.5% of Mexicans living in the United States live in poverty, according to the "Migration and Remittances Yearbook 2025," prepared by the National Population Council (Conapo) and BBVA Mexico.

The document also estimated that, by the end of 2024, there were 40.6 million people of Mexican origin in the neighboring country, divided into first, second, and third generations. Of that total, 6.6 million—equivalent to one in six—do not have sufficient income to cover their basic needs.

"17.3% of the first-generation population and 17.1% of the second-generation population are in this situation, while the percentage among the third generation is 14.3%. The Far West and Southwest regions have the highest number and percentage of people in this situation across all generations," the text stated.

Furthermore, it was explained that the average annual salary of the Mexican population in the neighboring country to the north, in real terms, grew regardless of generation.

For example, it was mentioned that "for women, the wages have been higher. In 1995, first-generation women earned $22,756 and men $32,223; in 2024, women earned $35,612 and men $43,810, an increase of 56.6% and 36.0%, respectively."

At the same time, it was reported that the flow of remittances to Mexico reached a new record. During 2024, the country received $63.313 billion, an increase of 1.9% compared to 2023. The majority of these remittances came from the United States, reaffirming the key role of the migrant population in the Mexican economy. Michoacán, Jalisco, and Guanajuato remained the main recipient states of remittances, while the United States continues to be the main country of origin for these funds.

Composition of the population

On the other hand, it was revealed that the Mexican population in the US is primarily made up of people born in that country. Between 1994 and 2024, the third generation registered the greatest growth, with an increase of 8.5 million people, followed by the second generation (8.1 million) and the first generation (6.2 million).

The report highlighted that between 2020 and 2023, the first-generation population recently arrived in the United States grew by 113.1%, marking a break from the downward trend observed between 2004 and 2020.

Regarding demographics, 85% of the first-generation population is of working age, a proportion that rises to 83% for women and 86% for men. In contrast, 49% of the second and third generations are under 20 years of age, resulting in median ages of 46 for the first generation, 20 for the second, and 21 for the third.