They defy Trump administration policies, and the majority choose to remain in the neighboring country to the north.
The director of the Institute for the Development of Mayan Culture (Indemaya), Fabiola Loeza Novelo, stated that Yucatecans living in the United States have overcome their fear of deportation, thanks to their job stability and roots in the country.
During a working visit to California, organized by the Yucatan government, the migrants expressed their intention to remain in the United States, although they requested support with paperwork to regularize their immigration status.
Fabiola Loeza emphasized that only six Yucatecans have returned to the state in recent years, reflecting the consolidation of the migrant community.
Despite former President Donald Trump’s policies, their countrymen have managed to maintain jobs in key sectors such as restaurants, hotels, and childcare, in addition to continuing to send remittances that support their families in Yucatán.
Among the migrants’ requests are legal and administrative advice to obtain birth certificates and regularize their status, and support for the “Mayan Renaissance,” an initiative that seeks to strengthen cultural identity and transform public policies from the diaspora.
Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena instructed Indemaya (National Institute of Statistics and Census) to provide support in these procedures, thus facilitating legal security for Yucatecans abroad.
During five days of meetings, the migrants reiterated their willingness to collaborate with the state on social and cultural projects, demonstrating that their connection to Yucatán transcends borders.
“They don’t want to return, but they don’t forget their roots either,” said Fabiola Loeza.
The post Yucatecans in the United States live without fear of deportation (Indemaya) first appeared on The Yucatan Times.