Mexico

Mexico

HIAS staff Laura Bautista and Paula García lead a workshop on mental health and psychological support for emergencies at the "Una Luz en el Camino" shelter in Tapachula, Mexico, 13 September, 2023. (Selia Montes for HIAS)

Founded

2019

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Mexico is a transit and destination country for vulnerable refugees and migrants, especially from Central America, Venezuela, and Cuba. The influx of asylum seekers and transit migrants has created challenges for civil society organizations and first-responders. This increase in migration has been driven by the effects of violence, armed conflict, climate change, and violence against women and girls.

Refugees, migrants, and internally displaced people living in Mexico’s northern border cities, particularly women and girls face extremely high levels of violence, including kidnapping, human trafficking, and exploitation. Resources are limited, and humanitarian organizations are overwhelmed. 

Throughout the country, displaced people face challenges in accessing essential services, programs, and mechanisms to exercise their rights. 

90,700

people received services in 2024

Our Work

HIAS supports refugees to rebuild their lives and reunite with family members in safety and freedom. HIAS’ response in Mexico helps refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants to obtain legal protection in Mexico.

We provide legal support to help displaced people know their rights, have access to protective services—including access to health, employment, and social services—and help them navigate the often-complicated legal systems that lead to permanent status and security.

HIAS Advocacy Courthouse 2020 | Advocate For Refugee Rights | HIAS Advocacy Work

From mobilizing grassroots advocates to engaging policymakers, advocacy is fundamental to HIAS’ work. With the Jewish community beside us, we stand up for the rights of forcibly displaced people globally.

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We provide legal support to help displaced people know their rights, have access to protective services—including access to health, employment, and social services—and help them navigate the often-complicated legal systems that lead to permanent status and security.

Featured

Paula García, a staff member of HIAS Mexico, provides assistance to a Hatian woman who fled Haiti due to the pervasive violence in her home country. (Selia Montes/HIAS Mexico)

An All-Woman Team Supports Survivors

“I’m really proud to work with the team here. A group of women has a different perspective, because of our lived experiences,” said Paula Garcia, the GBV officer for HIAS Mexico. “My colleagues and I support each other a lot and work together very collaboratively. Our gender-sensitive approach enriches our work and it also helps create a safe space for our beneficiaries that have experienced violence.”

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HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.

Together, we can help create a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

Your gift will help us provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers and advocate for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

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