The double challenge of being a prosperous “Poblano” migrant in New York and a Mexican citizen setting records for remittances in their home country.
New York, USA – Migrants from Puebla, Mexico have been leaving their mark on the city of New York for decades. Without giving up their roots and maintaining their ties to the Mexican land that saw them born and migrate, the Poblanos have forged a tough character, the product of intense personal and collective work and effort. Since the 1970s, Poblanos have been arriving in New York City, and their presence has become increasingly noticeable. Gradually, they have managed to increase their influence in all orders, mainly in the political sphere both in the US and in their native country. Many of them have come in search of economic opportunities, and their work in a variety of industries has contributed greatly to the economic and social fabric of the city.
In their double challenge, successfully integrating into New York and exerting influence in Mexico, the relationship with Poblano migrants is coveted by many politicians from both countries. But according to Romeo Hernández, a prosperous merchant and political activist, few politicians have the identification that they have achieved with the leader of the Mexican Congress, Ignacio Mier, whose contributions to the migrant community are counted in decades.
It was thus, he reveals, that in 2013 the current Mexican congressman championed the most important cause at that time for his Poblano compatriots: to achieve that voter credentials could be issued by law abroad, with which thousands of migrants could obtain the coveted identity document at the embassy and the network of Mexican consulates in the US.
“Many of us do not believe in political affiliations but in results such as the one achieved 10 years ago with the support of politicians like Nacho Mier who knew how to listen and work in coordination with those of us who found ourselves in need of emigrating in search of opportunities and a better standard of living for our families,” he emphasizes.
With that drive and vision, which in the US has reinforced the presence of Poblano migrants in their settlement communities in all aspects of their lives, in the social, political, and economic spheres.
Thus, the influence of Poblano migrants has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Currently, it is estimated that there are more than 150,000 Poblanos living in New York City. Their presence can be felt in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, where Poblanos-owned businesses are increasingly common.
One of the sectors in which Poblano migrants have stood out is the construction industry. Many of them have worked on building construction and home renovation, which has helped improve the city’s infrastructure. In addition, Poblanos have also left their mark on the culinary industry, where many of them have opened authentic Mexican food restaurants and businesses.
But their presence is not limited to the economic sphere, but also to the social one. Poblanos have formed solid communities in the city, where they gather to celebrate their traditions and keep their cultural roots alive. Many of them have established community organizations and clubs to help newcomers adapt to life in the city.
However, the presence of Pueblan migrants in the city of New York has not been without challenges. Many have faced difficulties adapting to a new cultural and linguistic environment, and some have had to deal with discrimination and racism. Despite these obstacles, Poblanos have persevered and demonstrated to be a vital force for the city of New York.
In summary, migrants from Puebla have left a lasting footprint in the city of New York. Their work in a variety of industries has contributed to the economic and social fabric of the city, and their presence has helped keep Mexican culture alive in the city. Despite the challenges they have faced, Poblanos have demonstrated their resilience and have continued to move forward to achieve success in their lives and communities.