Refugees in Mexico: What You Need to Know

Historically, Mexico was a transit country for but is now often the final destination for many people seeking safety. Since 2021, Mexico is one of the top countries in the world receiving asylum applications. Mexico now hosts more than 780,000 displaced people, including refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people, and internally displaced Mexicans.

The influx of asylum seekers and migrants in recent years has created challenges for the government, civil society organizations, and first-responders. Most people seeking safety in Mexico are fleeing gang violence, armed conflict, climate change, and domestic and sexual violence. 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.

HIAS has advocated for refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico since 2019. What exactly is the current landscape for refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico? Read more to find out.

Where do refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico come from?

Many people seeking refuge in Mexico are from other Latin American countries, with the top countries of origin including Honduras, Venezuela, Haiti, El Salvador, and Cuba. But there are also thousands of displaced people who originate from countries further afield, such as Afghanistan, China, and India. Displaced people from more than 100 countries reside in Mexico.

85% of people in transit in Mexico say that violence is the reason for their displacement. This can include gang violence, armed conflict, and domestic and sexual violence. There are also more than 260,000 internally displaced Mexicans who need humanitarian assistance within the country. The majority are fleeing criminal violence along drug trade routes, but many Mexicans have also been displaced by climate change and natural disasters.

What rights do refugees and asylum seekers have in Mexico and what barriers do they face?

Mexico has strong protections in place to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the country. Supported by an inclusive legal framework, job opportunities, and a private sector willing to hire, many displaced people can successfully rebuild their lives in Mexico. For many years, robust humanitarian aid helped UNHCR and partner organizations like HIAS assist the Mexican government in asylum processing and providing shelter and support to refugees and asylum seekers.

However, drastic cuts to humanitarian aid have exacerbated challenges in the refugee and asylum systems. Delays in issuing humanitarian visas have limited access to formal employment and basic services, and increased protection risks. Resources are limited, and humanitarian organizations are overwhelmed. Throughout the country, displaced people lack access to essential services, programs, and mechanisms to exercise their rights.

How have recent changes in U.S. asylum and border policies affected displaced people in Mexico?

Across Latin America, a major shift in migration is taking place. After years of moving north, thousands of people are now being forced south in a so‑called “reverse migration,” pushed away by increasingly restrictive U.S. immigration policies.

In Mexico, the situation has grown increasingly dire. Recent changes in U.S. policy, coupled with the shrinking availability of asylum and regularization options within Mexico, have left many displaced people stranded in prolonged legal limbo. Without legal status, families face heightened risks of violence, exploitation, discrimination, and unsafe, precarious work.

These policies have also placed considerable pressure on Mexico’s asylum system, particularly the Comisión Mexicana de Ayuda a Refugiados, which is often overwhelmed and under-resourced.

In addition to displaced people already stranded in Mexico by the U.S. asylum ban, the U.S. is also continuing to deport thousands of third country nationals to Mexico. Those deported to Mexico were often in the U.S. legally awaiting asylum proceedings and are now in a country where they may have no ties and no avenues for protection, as Mexico’s asylum system struggles under the weight of new applicants.

How does HIAS support refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico?

For over seven years, HIAS Mexico supported displaced people in rebuilding their lives safely. We have helped refugees and asylum seekers obtain protection in Mexico through mental health care, legal assistance, and the prevention and response to violence against women and girls.

Currently, we advocate for fair and humane refugee and asylum policies in the country and the region. HIAS Mexico advocates before national and international authorities, builds alliances with civil society, and generates evidence to drive fair and humane solutions that ensure protection, access to services, and respect for human rights.

In partnership with Columbia University and El Colegio de la Frontera Norte (COLEF), HIAS is carrying out a research project aimed at understanding the psychosocial impact of forced migration and violence on refugee and migrant populations. Its purpose is to generate evidence that strengthens mental health and psychosocial support programs, while also guiding more sensitive and effective protection strategies in humanitarian contexts.

Learn more about HIAS’ work in Mexico.