Transiciones de la migración ecuatoriana en tránsito por México, 1998-2023

"Based on administrative records, censuses, and surveys, the transit of Ecuadorian migrants through Mexico, who seek to enter irregularly or request asylum in the United States between the years 1998 and 2023, is analyzed. Three periods with substantial changes are identified, both in the number of migrants and in their profiles. The period from 2018 to 2021 stands out for greater mobility flexibility due to the exemption of visas required to enter Mexico. Additionally, as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, a significant increase in the flow was observed, reaching historical levels and placing Ecuadorians among the five main groups of migrants detained at the southwest border of the United States. This case exemplifies the changes in transit associated with economic crises in the countries of origin, as well as the migration policies of the countries in transit and the destination.