According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, only one state, New Mexico, has seen a decrease in its foreign-born population over a 10-year period, from 2008-2012 to 2018-2022. This is in contrast to all other states in the U.S., which have seen some increase in foreign-born residents during that time frame. New Mexico’s foreign-born population makes up 9.2 percent of its total population, which is below the national average of 13.7 percent. This decrease in foreign-born residents is attributed to factors such as low income, slow job growth, and lack of appeal for foreigners to immigrate to the state. The majority of immigrants in New Mexico come from Mexico, the Philippines, and Germany.
Christopher A. Erickson, the director of New Mexico State University’s Center for Border Economic Development, explained that economic factors play a significant role in determining migration trends in the state. New Mexico’s low income and slow job growth make it less appealing for foreigners who are primarily motivated by finding good-paying jobs. However, as a border state, New Mexico is positioned to take advantage of deglobalization, which involves emphasizing local solutions and border controls over global institutions and free movement. Leveraging its proximity to Mexico, New Mexico could promote regional trade and diversify its economy, providing opportunities for growth in the southern part of the state.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has made attracting foreign business investment to New Mexico a priority of her administration. Companies such as the Taiwan-based Hota Group and the German mtex company have already invested in the state. Governor Lujan Grisham’s visit to Australia for the Asia Pacific Hydrogen 2023 Summit aimed to meet with manufacturing companies interested in expanding in New Mexico. These investments are expected to bring higher-paying jobs, economic stability, and greater opportunities for New Mexicans. The push for foreign business investment aligns with the state’s efforts to diversify its economy and take advantage of deglobalization trends.
The Newsweek report highlights the contrasting approaches to immigration issues in Congress, with Democrats advocating for humanitarian-focused policies and Republicans emphasizing stronger border protection measures. However, finding common ground on this contentious issue has proven difficult. With the recent rise in migrant arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border, immigration policies and their impact on states like New Mexico remain at the forefront of public debate. As the state grapples with economic challenges and changes in migration trends, Governor Lujan Grisham’s efforts to attract foreign business investment and leverage deglobalization could potentially reshape New Mexico’s economy and migration patterns in the coming years.
