Ana Yáñez Correa recently made a significant life decision, crossing the U.S. border with her mother back to Mexico after four decades in the United States.
In a poignant video message for Instagram, Correa said, “Today marks the beginning of our new journey in Mexico.”
Her mother, now 81, added, “Estoy saliendo de Houston.”
Correa, a dedicated advocate for social justice in Texas, previously served as the interim director of the Harris County Office of Justice and Safety.
Determined to improve the quality of life for her elderly mother and seeking a healthier environment, Correa cited burnout and a disheartening political climate as key factors in her decision to return to Mexico.
The recent outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election accelerated their choice to leave, as Correa remarked, “When the election results happened, there was no question in our hearts that we needed to go back home.”
Correa and her mother represent a growing trend among immigrants, as for the first time in fifty years, net immigration to the United States may be experiencing a loss.
According to a study from the Brookings Institution and the American Enterprise Institute, this trend has emerged amidst stricter immigration policies and increased voluntary departures.
The study outlines that recent immigration policies established during President Donald Trump’s administration have contributed to this unprecedented outflow.
Reflecting on her early years, Correa shared that when they first arrived in the U.S. in the 1980s, survival was a daily struggle.
“We literally did not have anything to eat during the time in the ‘80s in Mexico,” she recalled.
Settling in Texas in 1988, they worked hard cleaning houses and caring for the elderly.
Correa eventually obtained U.S. citizenship and became a passionate advocate for marginalized communities.
“Advocacy is in my DNA,” she stated.
However, Correa’s hope for the U.S. diminished after witnessing the political landscape shift under the Trump administration.
She expressed her concern over government actions, including the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
This legislation is projected to cut substantial funding from essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP, raising questions for Correa about the government’s commitment to its citizens and the underlying principles of the American dream.
Correa has also observed an increase in anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly after the Texas Dream Act was blocked, which had previously supported undocumented students in accessing education at in-state tuition rates.
Feeling the weight of a growing sense of hostility, Correa’s family began to experience overt signs of unwelcoming behavior, notably during a troubling encounter at a Houston gas station where her mother faced criticism for her limited English.
“We could tell that there was this feeling of not being welcomed,” Correa recalled, marking a distinct contrast from their experience over the previous 40 years in America.
Making the decision to leave the United States was not straightforward for Correa.
Initially, she grappled with the idea of staying to continue her advocacy work in a crucial time for many communities.
Ultimately, she resolved to seek a life in a country that reflects her values and appreciates the contributions of immigrants.
“We’re still looking for the American dream,” Correa said, “But now it’s in Mexico.
And that’s where we’re putting our bet.”
Her hope has been bolstered by her admiration for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
Although Correa acknowledges that Mexico is not without its challenges, she is optimistic about the nation’s future.
“We weren’t running away from the U.S. We were running towards Mexico.
And why? Because the future of Mexico is bright,” she affirmed.
Reflecting on her transition, Correa noted that it has been a smooth process.
She shared a touching moment with a border control officer, recalling how her mother blessed the man, eliciting an emotional response as he regarded her as if she were his own mother.
Despite her current residence in Mexico, Correa has not lost her affection for the United States.
Her optimism remains rooted in the millions of individuals who rise daily to advocate for change and fight for their dreams.
The latest study predicts that this year could see up to one million more immigrants leave the U.S. compared to previous years, with 2.5 million fewer individuals expected to arrive.
The decline in net immigration stems from a combination of policies that enhance border security, increased deportations, and the expiration of temporary protections for various migrant groups.
Wendy Edelberg, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a co-author of the study, explained that many people are opting to leave due to a growing sense of inhospitability in the U.S.
She emphasized that the challenging environment has encouraged even legal immigrants to reconsider their status in the country, stating, “If you just make this environment really hostile to a person who looks like a recent immigrant … if other countries are welcoming them with open arms, many might decide it’s the right time to leave the United States.”
However, Edelberg noted that while legal immigrants may be departing, there is no significant evidence of U.S. citizens leaving in large numbers, largely due to the loss of federal benefits.
Correa and her mother have now settled in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, where they recently purchased a new apartment.
Grateful for their ability to choose to return to their homeland, Correa emphasized her awareness that many immigrants do not have that luxury.
“I want to be very mindful and respectful of the fact that for many it is not a choice,” she said.
While she plans to return to the U.S. for visits and explore other countries, Correa defined home as wherever her mother is.
“Home is where my heart is,” she concluded.
image source from：houstonpublicmedia
