Mexico's asylum claims plummet 41% in late 2025 after years of surges

Asylum applications in Mexico have dropped sharply after years of record numbers. New figures show a 41% decline in the last quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Despite the fall, many applicants still report facing violence and exploitation during their stay.

The latest data also reveals that monthly claims have returned to levels not seen since early 2019, marking a shift from the surge in previous years.

Between October 2020 and August 2025, Mexico’s Refugee Assistance Commission (Comar) regularly processed over 4,000 asylum applications each month. The peak came in October 2021, when 17,980 claims were filed. But by the final quarter of 2025, numbers had fallen to 11,944—nearly 10% lower than the previous three months.

January 2026 recorded 3,711 applications, almost matching the 3,937 filed in January 2019. Over half of the claims in late 2025 were submitted in southern Mexico, particularly in Tapachula. Meanwhile, Mexico City and its surrounding area have become a key destination for refugees, though many struggle to integrate due to missing legal documents. A UNHCR survey found that 39% of respondents experienced theft, kidnapping, extortion, or psychological abuse while in Mexico. As of June 2025, the country hosted 172,237 asylum seekers, with Haitians making up 30%, Cubans 22%, Hondurans nearly 14%, and Venezuelans around 9%. The first quarter of 2026 saw 10,205 new requests, suggesting a stabilisation at lower levels after years of high demand.

The decline in asylum applications marks a return to pre-2020 figures, ending a period of unprecedented demand. Many refugees still face significant barriers, including violence and legal hurdles. Officials continue to monitor trends as the situation evolves.