Mexico Emigration and Immigration: Difference between revisions

===Mexico===

 

European immigration to Mexico started with Hernán Cortez in 1521. Many Spaniards, looking for new opportunities and a better life, came to settle the new land. Indian villages, towns, and cities were overtaken or replaced by the Spanish. During the colonial period the kings of Spain tried, through legislation, to keep foreigners away from Mexico and their other American colonies. Even though laws were in place to minimize foreign immigration, some immigration by the other European countries did take place.  

 

After gaining independence, Mexico started to encourage more foreign immigration. The law of 1823 allowed foreigners into the country. In 1824 a law was passed that offered land and security to foreigners. In 1828 foreigners were given passports so that they could move about the country without problems. Mexico wanted the trade and industry that foreigners brought.

 

When the United States started limiting immigration quotas, some Europeans chose Mexico. Many who came to Mexico soon integrated into the community, accepting the culture and way of life. See [[Mexico Minorities]] for a listing of the different groups that immigrated into Mexico.

 

Emigration and immigration sources list the names of people leaving or entering Mexico. These lists are usually found as passenger lists and records of passports issued. The information in these records may include the emigrant’s name, age, occupation, destination, and place of residence or birthplace.