Migration roils US elections. Mexico sees mass migration too, but its politicians rarely mention it

US elections roiled by migration; Mexican politicians silent on similar crisis

Contrasting Views on Immigration: Mexico's Presidential Election vs. U.S. Local Politics

 

Brighton, Colorado — Recent gatherings of Republican activists in Denver suburbs and the bustling streets of Monterrey, Mexico, offer contrasting snapshots of how immigration is shaping political discourse in the neighboring nations.

 

In a school lunchroom in Brighton, Colorado, Republican activists expressed concerns about the influx of largely Venezuelan migrants, citing strains on public services and rising costs. The sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, reflecting a prevalent unease among locals about the impact of immigration on their communities.

 

Meanwhile, in Monterrey, Mexico, the topic of immigration remains notably absent from political conversations as the country prepares for its upcoming presidential election. Despite the presence of Haitian and Central American migrants in the city, immigration has not emerged as a central issue in the campaign rhetoric of Mexican politicians.

 

The disparity in the prominence of immigration in political discourse between the two countries underscores the differing dynamics of their respective democratic systems. While U.S. politics, influenced by populist rhetoric and anti-immigration sentiments, have elevated immigration to a central theme, Mexican politics continue to prioritize traditional issues like the economy.

 

Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, attributes this contrast to the distinct styles of democracy in the two nations. In Mexico, where institutional political parties dominate the political landscape, the focus remains on bread-and-butter issues rather than national identity concerns prevalent in the U.S.

 

The divergent approaches to immigration are further highlighted by the campaign strategies of presidential candidates in both countries. In the U.S., former President Donald Trump has seized upon anti-immigration sentiment as a central theme of his campaign, capitalizing on public concerns to rally support for his political agenda. Conversely, Mexican presidential frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum has omitted immigration from her campaign priorities, focusing instead on issues like security and water supply.

 

The differences extend to public perception as well, with Mexican society exhibiting a more nuanced understanding of migration, shaped by personal experiences and familial ties to migrants. Unlike in the U.S., where immigration is often portrayed as chaotic and overwhelming, Mexico's familiarity with migration tempers perceptions of the issue.

 

As the U.S. and Mexico navigate their respective political landscapes, the treatment of immigration remains a defining feature of their democratic processes. While immigration continues to dominate political discourse in the U.S., Mexico's political priorities reflect a broader spectrum of concerns, highlighting the diverse approaches to governance in the neighboring nations.