Sheinbaum rejects tax on remittances but avoids confronting the US over drug trafficking

The United States House of Representatives approved the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act", which includes a 3.5% tax on remittances sent by non-citizen migrants. The measure, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, directly affects millions of Mexicans who sustain the national economy from abroad. Source.

Instead of strongly condemning this measure, President Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the reduction of the initially proposed 5% tax to 3.5%, calling it a "progress." She stated that her government "will continue trying to convince the congressmen that it is not good", without announcing concrete actions to defend Mexican migrants. Source.

Economic impact and criticism of the government

Remittances represent one of the country's most stable economic pillars. In 2024, more than 64 billion dollars entered Mexico, equivalent to 4% of GDP. A 3.5% tax would imply a direct loss of more than 2 billion dollars annually, especially affecting rural communities and marginalized areas, where remittances are often the only constant source of income. Source.

Emilio Romano, president of the Mexican Bank Association, called the tax "discriminatory" and a threat to financial operations between both countries. He warned that this measure could encourage the use of informal channels for sending money, facilitating criminal activities. Source.

Inaction against organized crime

Meanwhile, the Mexican government avoids confronting the United States over this measure, North American agencies link remittances to organized crime. The DEA warns about the expansion of the CJNG and "Los Chapitos" in U.S. territory, operating with drug routes and money laundering.

Despite this, the president prefers to stay on good terms with the northern neighbor rather than defend the Mexicans who sustain the national economy from abroad. Not a diplomatic threat, nor a condemnation in international forums; just empty words.

Diplomatic submission and abandonment of migrants

The supposed transformation is reduced to diplomatic obedience, silence in the face of crime, and disdain for the most vulnerable. The regime boasts control, but governs through simulations. Because when moral authority and political clarity are most needed, all the 4T offers is submission.