The emergence of Collective Migrants and their role in Mexico's local and regional development

One of the most noteworthy features of these new circumstances is the emergence of collective migrants, referring to higher level and relatively permanent migrant organizations which function on a binational basis fostering both social and cultural solidarity between Mexicans and their hometown constituency with mutual social, political and economic benefits. The increasing presence of these migrants as potential agents for development has caused a critical and crucial question to be restated: to what extent can migrants’ savings become a lever for local and regional economic development? This essay reflects on that question in an attempt to cast some light on: (a) the economic and social importance of Mexican migration to the USA, (b) the main qualitative changes and problems associated with it, (c) the role played by collective migrants in supporting their communities of origin,2 and (d) the main challenges faced by such agents in making a more effective contribution to local and regional development in Mexico.

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