Ankara: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that remittances from the United States have decreased to their lowest level since 2022, attributing this decline to the immigration policies of US President Donald Trump. The president noted that there has been a 5% drop in remittances, which she believes is a direct result of a "climate of fear or concern" created by the current administration's stance on immigration.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Sheinbaum is actively investigating the factors contributing to this reduction in remittances. She highlighted that the number of Mexicans repatriated has not significantly increased compared to previous periods. Since President Trump assumed office on January 20, the deportation numbers have not aligned with his campaign promises. In the first six months of his term, the Trump administration repatriated 56,000 Mexican nationals, a decrease from the 82,000 deported during the same timeframe under former President Joe Biden.

President Sheinbaum emphasized that remittances experienced notable growth in 2023 and even more so in 2024, making the recent decline in recent months a cause for concern for her administration. She expressed particular worry as remittances provide crucial support to Mexico's most economically vulnerable communities, sent from family members residing in the United States.

Remittances are a vital component of Mexico's economy, contributing more than $64 billion last year. In 2024, total remittances accounted for 3.5% of the country's gross domestic product.