On January 23, 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a plan to create 35,000 jobs for Mexican citizens deported as a result of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new round of deportation policies.
These jobs will span various sectors, including manufacturing, services, construction, and mining. President Sheinbaum stated at a press conference that this initiative is part of the government's emergency plan to support deported Mexicans.
In addition to job opportunities, the government will provide deportees with social security registration and include them in social welfare programs. According to Mexican government data, nearly 195,000 Mexican citizens were deported from the U.S. in 2024.
Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico's economic resilience allows it to cope with external challenges, highlighting the stability of the peso and the low inflation rate as indicators of the country's economic health. Analysts believe that this initiative by Sheinbaum’s administration not only provides much-needed support for deportees but also demonstrates Mexico's economic adaptability in response to external policy changes. By creating employment opportunities and offering social support, the government aims to facilitate the reintegration of deported individuals and mitigate potential social and economic impacts of mass deportations.
This initiative by the Mexican government also presents an opportunity for Chinese companies to deepen cooperation in areas such as manufacturing, infrastructure development, and supply chain management. As Mexico increasingly positions itself as a key gateway to the North American market under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Chinese enterprises can seize this opportunity to leverage the country's stable labor force, optimize costs, and expand market presence. Additionally, participation in Mexico’s skills training and vocational development programs can help enhance workforce quality while boosting corporate brand influence and social responsibility.
With Mexico accelerating its transition towards high-value manufacturing and digital transformation, Chinese companies, particularly those in smart manufacturing, green energy, and technology sectors, can capitalize on this opportunity to deepen collaboration and strengthen their competitive edge in the Latin American market.