Pew Research: More Mexicans leaving the U.S. than coming

According to a new study from the Pew Research Center, more Mexicans are leaving the United States than coming.

Joel Hernandez, Salinas, was just six-years-old when he crossed the border.

“There’s this thing that you come with fear while crossing, but you still continue some of that fear while you’re here,” Hernandez said.

Many have taken his same path but a recent study by the Pew Research Center finds from 2009 to 2014 one million Mexicans and their families left the U.S. for Mexico.

“They came with all kind of restrictions, police everywhere looking for them you know,” said Sabino Lopez with the Center for Community Advocacy. “They came here, they’re working, they won’t go back just because, it has to be a really big reason.”

While the article cites things like family reunification and a sluggish economy some would say more Mexicans leaving the United States is deeper than that.

“Sometimes we really don’t know what we have until it’s gone,” said Carlos Ramos with the League fo United Latin American Citizens.

Ramos believes the grand exit may have to do with social and political hostilities towards Mexicans creating a less desirable environment.

“Whenever there’s an atmosphere that one reads as unwelcome in any way shape or form sometimes it doesn’t even have to be communicated, people get it,” said Ramos.

But Ramos says this is a wake up call to figure out how to get rid of prejudices and learn from mistakes and challenges which start with sincere conversation.

“Hablandose se entiende, in conversing there’s understanding. Just by talking about it.”

Community advocates say more Mexicans are also leaving because of the cost of living.

Stricter enforcement of immigration laws was also cited in the study.