Total population | |
---|---|
876,528 American nationals residing in the country (2015) Unknown number of Mexicans of American descent |
|
Languages | |
Mexican Spanish • American English | |
Religion | |
Roman Catholicism • Protestantism • Mormonism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Americans and American diaspora |
876,528 American nationals residing in the country (2015)
American Mexicans (Spanish: estadounidense-mexicanos) are Mexican citizens who are either born in, or descended from migrants from the United States and its territories. This can include people of non-Hispanic European, African American, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Hispanic (of any race) backgrounds.
Americans are a significant demographic in Mexico. Over 75% of immigrants to Mexico are estimated to come from the United States, and Mexico hosts the largest number of US emigrants. Many of the members of the American Mexican community have dual nationality, and among them are entrepreneurs, businessmen, sports professionals, entertainers, artists, religious ministers, academics, and students, among others.
The first American settlement in Mexico was the entry of Americans, mostly of European descent, as traders into the country. Including the northern territories of Alta California, Santa Fe de Nuevo México, and Mexican Texas. The first empresarial grant in Texas had been made under Spanish control to Stephen F. Austin, whose settlers, known as the Old Three Hundred, settled along the Brazos River in 1822. The grant was later ratified by the Mexican government. Twenty-three other empresarios brought settlers to the state, the majority from the United States of America. In 1824, Mexico enacted the General Colonization Law, which enabled all heads of household, regardless of race or immigrant status, to claim land in Mexico. Due to the large amount of American settlers, in 1830 President Bustamante outlawed the immigration of United States citizens to Texas, nonetheless immigration continued illegally.