Remember the color of Mexico being that orange-yellow haze? I think it was Breaking Bad when that really hit a height of ridiculous. But I was thinking about the US perception of Mexico and how that’s really come from the “top” down. We share one of the busiest borders in the world, trade billions of dollars every year, and collaborate on things that actually make life better for both countries. But instead of talking about that, politicians keep selling this TV version of reality, all to score points with voters who’ve never even thought about why so many people cross the border in the first place.
Let’s flip this script. Instead of treating Mexico like the problem, we need to recognize it for what it really is: a neighbor, a partner, and, yeah, a vital piece of our success story. Because let’s be real—when Mexico thrives, we thrive.
The Current State of Things
If you ask most politicians, you’d think Mexico is just a source of headaches for the U.S. Remember Trump’s “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime” nonsense? It’s no accident that kind of rhetoric sticks—it taps into fear. Fear is a powerful tool, but it’s also lazy. It ignores the reality that our economies are deeply tied together, that millions of families exist across the border, and that, honestly, a lot of the challenges Mexico faces are problems we helped create. From the war on drugs to exploitative trade deals, we’ve got a lot to answer for.
Right now, the relationship is all mistrust and missed opportunities. We see it in border policies that prioritize punishment over humanity. We see it in the way trade deals like the USMCA are treated as battlegrounds instead of bridges. We see it in how politicians conveniently leave out the good stuff—the collaborations, the trade, the culture we share—because that doesn’t fire people up like a scary border story.
The Vision We Need
Imagine if we approached Mexico not as a threat but as a partner in progress. Here’s the thing: if we stopped using Mexico as a political punching bag and actually worked with them, we could create something incredible.
Mexico’s got challenges, sure—corruption, cartel violence, economic inequality—but none of that is unfixable. What if, instead of throwing billions at border walls and detention centers, we invested in joint development projects? Imagine schools, infrastructure, and anti-corruption programs that help people build lives in Mexico, so crossing the border out of desperation isn’t the only option. That’s better for them, and it’s better for us. Stability makes everyone’s lives easier.
And on trade—look, Mexico is one of our biggest trading partners. Cross-border supply chains power everything from cars to avocados. We could expand this so much more if we stopped being petty and started thinking big. Renewable energy, tech partnerships, small business collaborations—the possibilities are endless.
What We’re Already Doing (and Why It’s Not Enough)
Here’s the part that really stings: we’re already working together in ways that are making a difference. The Mérida Initiative, for example, is a security partnership aimed at fighting organized crime and drug trafficking. It’s far from perfect, but it shows what’s possible when both countries commit to solving problems together.
Then there’s environmental collaboration. The U.S. and Mexico have worked on protecting the Colorado River Basin and cleaning up the Gulf of Mexico. That’s vital stuff, especially as climate change ramps up. And don’t forget trade—between the USMCA and cross-border industries, we’re creating jobs on both sides of the border. This is the kind of work we should be shouting from the rooftops because it shows how much better things can get when we treat each other like equals.
Why This Matters
At the end of the day, lifting up Mexico isn’t charity. It’s common sense. A stable, prosperous Mexico means less migration pressure, stronger trade, and a safer region. But beyond the practical reasons, there’s the moral one: neighbors should help each other. Period.
If we could shift the narrative—away from fear, away from blame—and focus on partnership, we’d all be better off. Let’s celebrate what’s already working and double down on it. Let’s talk about Mexico as a friend we’re excited to work with, not a problem we’re trying to fence off.
Because here’s the truth: neighbors look out for each other. It’s time the U.S. started acting like it.
The Takeaway
So next time someone brings up Mexico as a “problem,” flip the script. Talk about how we’re already working together, and how much more we could accomplish if we just ditched the fear-mongering. Progress doesn’t come from walls or blame games—it comes from partnership. It’s time we started building bridges, not walls.
What do you think? Ready to ditch the doom and start celebrating what’s possible? Let’s get to work.
