Alan’s journey is the latest feature in MND’s “My American Dream is in Mexico” series, which spotlights the growing trend of Mexican-Americans reclaiming their heritage by choosing to live in Mexico. Each story delves into the motivations behind the move, the complexities of navigating dual identities, and the profound connections rediscovered in the country their parents once left behind.

Alan’s story weaves together themes of family, poetry, and the impacts of gentrification on a young family, offering a glimpse into what it means to make a home in Mexico.

Can you share your journey from discovering poetry to teaching, and what led you to writing full-time?

“Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was surrounded by diversity, hip-hop, and graffiti culture. As a teenager, I found my voice through rap and graffiti — spray-painting walls at night with my friends — because those were things my peers respected. Poetry, on the other hand, wasn’t something I could openly claim back then.

My journey into poetry was slow. It wasn’t until I sat in a classroom, away from my friends, that I started taking it seriously. Reading poets like Walt Whitman for the first time at 18 or 19 really drew me in. His sense of community, caring for others, and paying attention to the world resonated deeply. Poetry gave me a sense of value, confidence, and belonging — something I needed but didn’t realize was missing.

Later, I spent a decade teaching high school in high-need areas, from New Orleans to Boston. Many of my students had been expelled, faced homelessness, or spent time in jail. That work taught me so much — about appreciating what I have and about the resilience of young people who feel invisible, like I did growing up as a Latino boy with immigrant parents. It also deepened my belief in the importance of helping others feel seen and heard.

After 10 years, I was exhausted and needed a change. I applied to grad school for poetry at the University of San Francisco and received a fellowship, which meant I didn’t have to pay—an amazing privilege in the U.S. That’s when I transitioned from teaching to writing full-time. I channeled all the energy I’d spent on lesson plans and mentoring into my art, and that’s how I wrote my first two books.”

What role does identity play in your poetry and storytelling?

“I realized my upbringing was pretty unique. As a Latino, growing up without an everyday mother in my house was already transformative. Then, on top of that, being Mexican-American and growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area added its own layers. San Francisco is such an innovative and politically open place. I was going to protests as a teenager because that’s just the kind of environment San Francisco has always been — progressive and caring about others. That mindset naturally made its way into my poetry.

Being from the Bay Area is a big part of my identity — it’s number one for me. Then, being the son of immigrants comes next, and growing up in a single-parent household is another layer. As I started peeling back these parts of myself, I realized I didn’t know too many poets with my background or my path. Even the Latino poets I was reading were mostly traditional Chicanos from L.A., but that wasn’t me. I was a nerd from Silicon Valley who grew up watching Star Wars.

At the time, I hadn’t read a book that felt like it was written for someone like me. A lot of us feel that something needs to be said that hasn’t been said yet, and I thought maybe I could say it. That’s what drove my first books. I wanted to be the Bay Area Mexican-American millennial nerd I hadn’t seen in literature. My hope was that others like me — not exactly like me, but people who felt unseen — could find themselves in my work, or feel inspired to write their own stories after reading mine.”

What was the inspiration behind Notes from the Eastern Span, your 2021 book?

“I wrote my most recent poetry book from the perspective of the Bay Bridge, which connects Oakland and San Francisco. When I was growing up in San Francisco, the bridge was old and eventually torn down to make way for this new, shiny white bridge. To me, that bridge became a symbol of gentrification. It felt like a gut punch, and I think a lot of people from the Bay Area feel the same way.

Growing up in a place like San Francisco, you see so much change over time. People come in, driven by Tiktok, social media, and the ways the world works now, and gentrification pushes out people who’ve been there for generations. It’s painful to watch friends, family, and even students no longer able to afford to live where they grew up. There’s a sense of loss — not just of people, but of culture and connection.

This third book emerged from processing that sense of loss. The destruction and rebuilding of the bridge felt like a metaphor for the transformation of the Bay Area. The new bridge wasn’t built for people like my dad, a Mexican immigrant; it was for a new wave of tech industry arrivals who often lack the same history or deep connections to the community. Today, San Francisco is the most childless major city in the U.S. and likely one of the cities with the widest wealth gap among its residents”

How has your personal experience with gentrification influenced your decision to move to Mexico?

“My mom always told us to be proud of being Mexican and reminded us that we weren’t white. As I got older, that shaped my connection to Mexico. When it comes to gentrification, I feel like I was pushed out of where I grew up in California. So, I was careful about where I moved to in Mexico. I didn’t want to go to Mexico City, Guadalajara, or even San Miguel de Allende, which is beautiful but full of foreigners. I’m not against people moving, but I didn’t want to just live in a city, go to the cool restaurants, and feel disconnected. 

That’s why I chose Xalapa. There aren’t many Americans here, and even my family makes fun of me for being the gringo, which I’m fine with. I wanted to be here because my family lives here — my mom and my abuela — and I wanted my son to grow up in a community. I didn’t want to be one of those expats moving to places like Cancun or Tulum. I’ve met people who move here without a connection to Mexico, and sometimes they act entitled, thinking they know more about the country than people who’ve lived here their whole lives. To me, that’s part of gentrification. I didn’t want to be in that group. I wanted to live a Mexican life in Mexico speaking Spanish.”

How does living in Veracruz compare to life in the Bay Area?

“My wife Briana and I first got a taste of Mexico in 2019 and returned to the Bay Area in 2020 when COVID hit, but living in Mexico was always in our hearts. We wanted to give our son, Maceo, a life that was rich and full of experiences because that’s something that we both created for ourselves. Mexico became the place where we could own a home and have the time to really be with him. In the Bay Area, you’re constantly driving, working long hours, stuck in traffic, and there’s little time or space for family. 

People in the U.S. are addicted to work and the stress of it all, while in Mexico, there’s a much better family life balance. The U.S. is stressful and divided politically, and we felt that Mexico, with our family connections and our ability to speak Spanish, was the place where we could spend these early years with Maceo. It’s a huge privilege that we even have this choice, but Mexico allows for family life to take center stage in a way the U.S. doesn’t.”

How has your identity as a U.S.-born Mexican-American shaped your experience in Mexico?

“As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see being Mexican-American as a “third culture.” I don’t pretend to be fully Mexican or gringo. There are Mexican-Americans who feel more connected to either side, but for me, it’s about embracing my unique blend of experiences — like the Bay Area hip-hop and fusion culture I grew up with. I’m proud of my Mexican heritage and have worked to connect with it, which is why I live in Mexico with my son. But I also don’t get offended when people here see me as gringo. I remind myself that I’ve had the privilege to experience more than many of my relatives who’ve never left home. As my wife says, it takes courage to leave what you know and walk in another world.”

What advice would you give to other Mexican-Americans considering a move to Mexico?

“My biggest advice is to spend time in the place you’re considering moving to and trust your intuition. As a writer, I’ve learned to listen to my gut, and moving to Mexico felt like a calling for me. Don’t let others’ doubts, like concerns about safety, distract you. Block out the noise and really listen to yourself. Moving here wasn’t easy — leaving my job, buying a home, and relocating my family — but I trusted that it was the right decision. And if things don’t work out, it’s okay to pivot.”

Rocio is based in Mexico City and is the creator of CDMX iykyk, a newsletter designed to keep expats, digital nomads and the Mexican diaspora in the loop. The biweekly dispatches feature top news, cultural highlights, upcoming CDMX events & local recommendations. For your dose of must-know news about Mexico, subscribe here. 

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Years later, in the heart of Corporate America, Karla realized she missed that freedom. Trading her high-powered job for van life with her husband, she embarked on a journey of adventure and self-discovery that eventually led her back to Mexico — not to reclaim something lost, but to build something entirely her own: a values-driven life rooted in freedom, creativity, and the bicultural identity she’s embraced all along.

Growing up American in a Mexican household

Karla’s parents’ love story could have been plucked straight from a movie. Her mother, a Pennsylvania native, first fell in love with Mexico as an exchange student in Mexico City. Captivated by the culture, she decided to stay. Years later, while teaching English at the United Nations, she met one of her students — a charming man who would become Karla’s father. The rest, as they say, is history.

Karla’s childhood was defined by constant motion, with her family moving often due to her father’s work in Mexico’s port industry. Despite the frequent relocations, there was one constant at home: language. “My mom was adamant that we speak both languages equally,” Karla explains. “From the moment we were babies, we were speaking and being educated in both Spanish and English.”

This bilingual upbringing gave Karla a strong sense of pride in her American roots. “I remember feeling proud to be American, it was a cool thing,” she recalls. “My mom’s American, I spoke English at home, and we’d visit my family in the U.S.” Growing up surrounded by other Mexicans, she didn’t think much about her Mexican identity, it simply blended into the fabric of her everyday life. But as she grew older and her journey unfolded, Karla found herself reconnecting with that part of her heritage, ultimately feeling just as proud to be Mexican as she once felt about being American.

Burnt out on the American Dream

Karla’s mother had always believed that one day her daughter might choose to attend college in the U.S., and she was right. Karla pursued her studies in New York, driven by a determination to make her parents proud. As the eldest of her siblings and a high achiever, she felt the weight of their sacrifices — her parents had prioritized her education, putting her in private schools in Mexico despite the cost. Her hard work paid off as she embarked on a corporate career, working for General Electric and later climbing the ladder at Accenture as a consultant.

But success, as Karla discovered, wasn’t what she expected. “I reached that point in corporate where my value started to shift,” she recalls. “I’d achieved the American dream I always looked up to as a girl in Mexico — success was in the U.S., or so I thought. I did it all, and then I found myself thinking, ‘And now what?’ I was so unhappy. I’d wake up with a knot in my stomach, unable to do the things I wanted with my time.”

At the time, Karla and her husband were living in Dallas, and the dissatisfaction weighed heavily on her and she began to dig into her core values. “Freedom is one of my top values,” she explains. “My upbringing was very nomadic, but here I was, stuck in this constrained routine filled with work, work, work. I was missing adventure, freedom, and nature. All the things that mattered most to me were missing.”

The realization prompted a radical decision. “It wasn’t easy to make such a huge change,” Karla admits. “But my husband and I eventually decided to just go for it.” They sold almost everything — downsizing from their 750-square-foot apartment to an 84-square-foot camper — and hit the open road, ready to embrace a completely different kind of life.

Turning 40: Writing as Karla’s Next Chapter

Entering the fourth decade of her life became a pivotal moment for Karla, prompting her to reexamine her professional life. “Turning 40 challenged me to think, what’s next in my career?” she reflects. Earlier that year, she had to decline a promising business opportunity that would have required her to plant roots back in the U.S. But Karla is committed to living by her values and preserving her freedom, which meant staying true to her nomadic lifestyle.

Encouraged by her husband, Karla decided to put her coaching business on hold to pursue a long-held dream she had pushed aside: writing. Though it had never felt like a “legitimate” career to her, she found the courage to focus on her passion with the support of a community of female authors she met during her travels. Since January, she has been working on her memoir and growing her newsletter.

Karla’s goal as a writer is clear: “I want to shed light on what it means to be bicultural. I want to challenge stereotypes about Mexico,” she shares. With her unique perspective as someone who is both fully American and fully Mexican, she wants to share stories that provide a deeper, more nuanced view of Mexico to an American audience. In the future, Karla hopes to write novels about Mexican women and communities, further breaking down cultural misconceptions.

A homecoming: Returning to Mexico

Karla and her husband visited Mexico many times during their years of van life, but earlier this year, Karla felt a strong calling to spend an extended period there. After five years without a lease, they chose San Miguel de Allende for its beauty and its vibrant, bohemian atmosphere, filled with artists, writers, and creators. Karla describes San Miguel as the “confluence of where my cultures have intersected.”

The homecoming has been “amazing, challenging, beautiful, fulfilling, complicated — all of the emotions,” Karla says. Returning to Mexico has been magical, allowing her to rediscover and appreciate the country’s rich traditions and natural beauty. Growing up surrounded by these things, Karla admits she took them for granted, but now she marvels at them with a renewed sense of gratitude. “It has filled my heart and overflowed it with love and appreciation for our country, the people, the food, the traditions,” she shares. “Leaving has also allowed me to see its flaws more objectively.”

Karla’s connection to Mexico has deepened, and her pride in being Mexican is now stronger than ever. “My Mexican pride will never falter.” Currently, she is living in Mexico until March of next year, helping organize the San Miguel de Allende Writers’ Conference. She believes that she moves on from a place when it no longer feels like home but envisions Mexico remaining an integral part of her life. “It might not be full-time living, but I never want to let years go by without returning. This is where I’m from, and I am so proud to be Mexican. It’s part of my heart.”

Are you a U.S.-born or raised child of Mexican immigrants currently living in Mexico? Perhaps your Mexican parents immigrated to another country, and you’ve chosen to return to Mexico? If so, I’d love to hear your story for this series! Please leave your email in the comments, and I’ll reach out.

Rocio is based in Mexico City and is the creator of CDMX iykyk, a newsletter designed to keep expats, digital nomads and the Mexican diaspora in the loop. The biweekly dispatches feature top news, cultural highlights, upcoming CDMX events & local recommendations. For your dose of must-know news about Mexico, subscribe here.

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Today, we spotlight Agustín Barrios Gómez, a businessman, analyst, and speaker with a global upbringing. The son of a diplomat, he spent his formative years in Canada, the U.S., and Switzerland before a prolific career in both the private and public sectors. He shares insights into his privileged, international background, the milestones of his impressive career, and why he ultimately chose to establish his roots in Mexico despite abundant opportunities elsewhere.

Age: 53

Location: Mexico City 

Occupation: CEO of International Capital Partners

Can you share a bit about your childhood and what brought you to live in Canada?

“My father was a prominent figure in television and later transitioned into diplomacy. When I was six, he was appointed as Mexico’s Ambassador to Canada, so our family moved there. We spent six years in Canada before President de la Madrid named him Ambassador to Switzerland, where we lived for another four years. Later, my father became Consul General to New York City, which brought me to the United States for six more years.”

How did growing up in Canada, the U.S. and Switzerland shape your sense of identity as a Mexican?

“Growing up in Canada, the U.S., and Switzerland gave me a global perspective. I speak four languages, have lived in five countries, and can adapt to life almost anywhere. These experiences shaped me into a global citizen with friends across the world and the ability to move between different cultures. Many people who’ve had similar upbringings often embrace a global identity, living in cities like London, New York, or Rome, or working for organizations like the World Bank or transnational corporations.

But I made a conscious and specific decision to define myself as Mexican. Unlike immigrants, who often leave their home country out of necessity, I’ve always had choices. As someone with options, I could decide how I wanted to live and who I wanted to be. I chose Mexico because it’s a nation with so much to offer, and I’ve always felt deeply connected to it. Mexico City, in particular, is my favorite city in the world, and deciding to plant roots here was a deliberate choice to affirm my identity as Mexican.

That said, my experience of Mexico is very different from what many people imagine. My Mexico is a country of hardworking, talented, and creative people. I don’t see myself in the narratives of violence or victimhood that often come up when talking about Mexico. While I understand those aspects exist, they are not part of the Mexico I know or live in. Instead, my Mexico is about its incredible potential and strength, and I feel fortunate to have chosen to be part of it.”

What inspired you to not only return to Mexico but also dedicate yourself to building a life and career here?

“Mexico was the place where I felt I could make the biggest difference. The first question I asked myself was, “Where can I have the greatest impact?” And the answer was Mexico. Then came the next question: “Is Mexico a country worthwhile to dedicate your life to?” For me, the answer was yes.

Mexico is a unique country with a confluence of factors that give it a significant role on the world stage. With 120 million people and a strategic position globally, it’s a middle-income power with real potential for influence — whether through soft power or other means. Mexico matters.

However, when I returned, I realized I needed to create a Mexican persona because, despite my roots, I’d never truly lived here. I spoke Spanish with an accent, and there was a process of truly becoming part of the culture. I gave myself time in those early years to refine my Spanish, immerse myself in the culture, and develop into someone who could genuinely contribute to Mexico as a public figure. By the time I felt comfortable and fully integrated, I was ready to step into the opportunities that came my way.”

You mentioned wanting to make a difference in Mexico and fully integrating into the culture. How did that vision translate into your professional journey, and what are you focused on now?

“After 16 years abroad, I returned to Mexico City as a 22-year-old to join Procter & Gamble. Shortly after, my father had a stroke so I took over the family finances since I’m an only child. This led to entrepreneurial ventures like launching a tequila brand and running a nightclub and restaurant.

In my early 30s, I transitioned into public life, hosting a radio talk show and later running for Mayor of Miguel Hidalgo [a district of Mexico City]. Although I narrowly lost, the campaign propelled me into public policy.

Eventually, I shifted to private equity, founding a real estate investment fund in the U.S., where I’ve been navigating opportunities between Mexico City and Houston ever since. I’ve been doing this for the past eight years.”

You’re often seen as a bridge between different cultural and economic worlds. How has your journey influenced your professional vision, especially regarding Mexican-American relations?

“I’ve always believed that American prosperity and national security are closely tied to a stable and cooperative Mexico. What’s good for Mexico is inherently good for the U.S., especially when it comes to stability and cooperation. For example, if Mexico were to turn away from the U.S. or align with adversaries, it could create a significant crisis, especially given the size and strategic position of Mexico’s economy. Mexico’s economy is four times the size of Iran’s — imagine the potential chaos if it were to go rogue.

In this context, I see supporting Mexico’s interests as directly supporting U.S. interests. And conversely, what benefits the U.S. also benefits Mexico. These two countries are inseparable — there’s no daylight between their interests. You can’t truly understand U.S. history without considering Mexico, and you can’t understand Mexico’s history without the United States. The cultural, political, and economic ties are so deeply intertwined that they form a unique partnership, one that’s essential to the success of both nations.

Also, 10% of the U.S. population is Mexican-American, and this isn’t just about immigration — it’s a historic reality. Out of the 37 million Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the U.S., only 6 million are undocumented, and the vast majority are legal citizens. It benefits the U.S. to understand its relationship with this large, integral community. Vilifying 10% of your population doesn’t make sense, especially when that community contributes so much. The U.S. and Mexico share deep, historic ties, and recognizing these connections is crucial for both nations’ futures.”

What are your thoughts on the topic of gentrification in Mexico City? 

“Gentrification in Roma and Condesa began long before Americans arrived. Mexicans have always had the ability to gentrify their own neighborhoods. While the influx of newcomers, including Americans, may drive up prices in specific areas, it’s also contributing to the city’s growing diversity, which I believe is positive. Mexico City is home to over 22 million people and has many neighborhoods that could benefit from revitalization. Areas like Santa María la Ribera or Doctores are ripe for development. The idea of xenophobia surrounding this issue is, in my view, un-Mexican — Mexico has always been a welcoming country. There are plenty of other areas in the city that can accommodate new residents and offer affordable housing. The focus should be on the city’s overall growth, not on blaming foreigners for rising rents.”

As a child of multiple cultures, how would you define the Mexican Dream?

“The Mexican Dream is rooted in diversity, personal freedom, and strong family and friendship bonds. Unlike in the U.S., where families often live separately, here in Mexico, extended families live close together, supporting each other. Hospitality is key to the Mexican Dream, with the idea that if more people arrive at your home than expected, you simply add more water to the soup to accommodate everyone. It’s about generosity, respect for different cultures, and maintaining close-knit relationships.”

What advice would you give to Mexicans who may feel the pull to succeed abroad rather than within Mexico?

“Mexico offers many opportunities, and if you’re not finding what you’re looking for in one city, consider exploring other regions like Monterrey, Oaxaca, or Mazatlan, which are experiencing significant growth. Tijuana, once considered a rough place, is now a booming foodie destination. If you still feel the need to succeed abroad, remember that personal freedom is key. Mexicans make excellent immigrants — hardworking and law-abiding — but often don’t believe in themselves enough. It’s important to take control of your life and recognize that you belong wherever you go. Only you can make that decision.”

Are you a U.S.-born or raised child of Mexican immigrants currently living in Mexico? Perhaps your Mexican parents immigrated to another country, and you’ve chosen to return to Mexico? If so, I’d love to hear your story for this series! Please leave your email in the comments, and I’ll reach out.

Rocio is based in Mexico City and is the creator of CDMX iykyk, a newsletter designed to keep expats, digital nomads and the Mexican diaspora in the loop. The biweekly dispatches feature top news, cultural highlights, upcoming CDMX events & local recommendations. For your dose of must-know news about Mexico, subscribe here. 

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In 2012, the Obama administration introduced Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), offering temporary protection from deportation and work permits. But during the same administration, deportations reached a historic 3 million by 2016. Between 2009 and 2012, many Dreamers — some who would later qualify for DACA — were deported before they could benefit from its protections.

In this edition of our “My American Dream is in Mexico” series, we share the story of David Sandoval, a Dreamer deported in 2011, just before DACA took effect. His journey is one of struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance, and his story is both improbable and inspiring.

Returning “home” to Mexico 

David was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and brought to the U.S. by his mother at the age of four. Growing up, he made his life in North Carolina, where, at just 20, he found himself facing a life-altering situation. Pulled over for drinking and driving, he was charged with a DUI. Though he had no prior criminal record, David was informed during his court appearance that, as an undocumented resident, he would be subject to deportation. Within 24 hours, he was handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

While held in ICE custody in Atlanta, David wrestled with the idea of reaching out to his estranged father, a U.S. citizen, in a last-ditch effort to stop the deportation process. But ultimately, he chose not to contact him and instead accepted his fate. Just weeks later, he was back in Mexico, a place that was supposed to be his homeland, albeit an unfamiliar one, as he had spent nearly his entire life in the U.S.

David first stayed with family in Monterrey before moving to Chihuahua to reconnect with his roots. “I wanted to see where I came from,” he says. “It was a huge shock. Suddenly, I was in Mexico — a place I’d never really known. It was so different from the U.S., and I needed time to figure out what the hell I was going to do with my life.”

What comes next? 

David struggled with what path to take. He considered illegally crossing the border into the U.S. but ultimately decided against it. “I couldn’t get a license, a house, or even go back to school,” he says. “All those doors were shut for me.” Instead, he enrolled in school in Chihuahua. His first step was a Spanish course, as his language skills were lacking. He later completed his high school equivalent in a nontraditional setting, which was a culture shock. “It wasn’t a normal school. It was the troubled class — the kids who hadn’t finished high school and were trying to graduate later in life.”

Although David’s dream was to become an astronomer, he opted for a more practical field of study: economics. For his last semester of university, David did an exchange program at Mexico City’s UNAM and fell in love with both the sprawling metropolis and a German traveler. He saved up money working as a waiter after graduating from university so they could backpack together through the Riviera Maya. After weeks of traveling and romancing, David found himself in Holbox with just 600 pesos left to his name, pondering what to do next. 

Luckily for David, a former landlady from his time studying at UNAM offered to house him for free in exchange for driving her around and helping around her house while he looked for a job. David jumped on the opportunity and returned to CDMX in his Hawaiian shirt and Bermuda shorts. 

“My first job was a marketing consultant, and I remember I didn’t even have socks. I was so poor I wore dress shoes to work without socks! I was getting paid $400 dollars a month and I had to survive with 70 pesos a day to cover the metro and food.” His mom, worried about the dangers of Mexico City, constantly urged him to return to Chihuahua. But David had a vision to fulfil — since his first visit to Mexico City, he had seen a future for himself in this cosmopolitan city and he decided he’d persevere. 

After a year and a half in the capital, David returned to Chihuahua for a job opportunity with Rappi, leading to a new chapter in his life.

Life After Deportation for Dreamers

For many deported Dreamers, returning to Mexico after years in the U.S. is a jarring experience. Although Mexico is technically “home,” it often feels foreign, and economic struggles only add to the hardship. Many deportees face difficulties finding stable work, especially those with limited Spanish or education geared toward the U.S. job market.

David’s first job in Mexico was at a call center, a common option for deportees with bilingual skills. “Most people I worked with didn’t finish high school or college,” he says. “They just came back to try to live, but then they realize they can’t really ask for more. They’re stuck in a loop, feeling bad about not being in the U.S. anymore.”

David, however, embraced his new reality. “When I came back, I told myself, ‘I’m not going back for a while.’” He refused to live illegally in the U.S. again. “I decided to make it work in Mexico.”

David’s journey may soon come full circle. He has hired a lawyer to start the pardon process, hoping to one day return to the U.S. legally as a tourist.

Living out the Mexican Dream 

After several years working in sales in Chihuahua, David’s hopes for a life in Mexico City finally came to fruition. He received an offer from a San Francisco-based tech company expanding into Mexico and moved back to the capital.

“I cried on the plane. I chatted to the guy next to me who turned out to be a successful avocado trader. He said he wanted to talk to me because I was looking out the window strangely. He assured me this move was going to be good for me and that he felt that this was the turning point for me. I cried tears of joy on that plane because I knew the cycle of hardship and sacrifice was finally over.”

Today, David works as a sales executive in Polanco and describes his life as the “Mexican Dream.” “The American Dream is about keeping up with the Joneses,” he says. “But my version of the Mexican Dream is about working hard, resting, enjoying life, and appreciating everything I’ve built.”

David’s story highlights the resilience and adaptability of Dreamers, showing that even when life’s circumstances seem impossible, there is always hope for new beginnings.

Are you a U.S.-born or raised child of Mexican immigrants currently living in Mexico? Perhaps your Mexican parents immigrated to another country, and you’ve chosen to return to Mexico? If so, I’d love to hear your story for this series! Please leave your email in the comments, and I’ll reach out.

Rocio is based in Mexico City and is the creator of CDMX iykyk, a newsletter designed to keep expats, digital nomads and the Mexican diaspora in the loop. The biweekly dispatches feature top news, cultural highlights, upcoming CDMX events & local recommendations. For your dose of must-know news about Mexico, subscribe here. 

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The couple have roots in Chicago but are planning to settle in Mexico for the long haul. We discussed their backgrounds, identity, the privilege of being bilingual and bicultural, and their plans for the future.

Age: 30 and 36 

Location: Mexico City and Puerto Escondido 

Occupation: YouTube Content creators and Project Manager (Kevin)

Roots in Mexico: Zacatecas (Jenny), Veracruz and San Luis Potosí (Kevin)

Why did you move to Mexico? 

Jenny: “Early on when we got married we talked about leaving the U.S. and Mexico was always an option but we thought something further afield like Spain or Brazil. In 2018, we visited Playa del Carmen and Mérida and we met foreigners living and thriving in Mexico. When we realized that people who had no heritage or family connection to Mexico were living there, we saw ourselves doing the same thing. We thought, why not us? We already have the cultural connection and the opportunities to thrive are there. Our goal was to move to Mérida in 2020, since it made so much sense — we have the cultural connection and Mexican citizenship. But when the pandemic hit, we postponed until 2021 to keep working and saving up.”

Kevin: “I used to travel to Mexico a lot as a kid — like two or three times a year, our family would drive down there together. But in 2006, when cartel violence escalated, we stopped going altogether. My perception of Mexico changed because of that and because of my mom’s fears. So, when Jenny started talking about moving to Mexico, I thought she was crazy! But when we took that trip in 2018, it helped me see that, while Mexico wasn’t as safe as it had been before 2006, it wasn’t as unsafe as I’d thought either.”

How did your parents react when you told them you were relocating to Mexico?

J: “They brushed it off. We told them a year in advance, and at first, they thought we were joking or just talking about a dream we’d never actually pursue. When they realized we were serious, the concerns started. They couldn’t understand why we’d want to move to a country they saw as unsafe based on the news they watched. We had many conversations to help them warm up to the idea, explaining that, just like in Chicago, Mexico has both safe and unsafe areas.”

K: “For my mom, it eased her mind that we started in Veracruz with her family, where we stayed for two months to settle in. After that, we traveled nomadically for the rest of 2021 and 2022, spending an extended period in Puerto Escondido.”

What inspired you to start your YouTube channel?

J: “We started our YouTube channel as a way to embrace our Mexican-American identity, and how we navigate that as individuals who are exploring their heritage country. We were looking for a place to live, but at the same time, we wanted to absorb all the history and important figures we didn’t learn about growing up — like La Malinche, Miguel Hidalgo, and others. We also wanted to showcase how beautiful Mexican culture is and share our learning experience with people on our YouTube channel and hope that other Mexican-Americans can feel empowered to embrace their culture as much as we do”.

In what ways have you reconnected with your Mexican roots?

K: “For me it’s been about figuring out my identity. It’s come full circle. When I was a kid, I traveled to Mexico frequently — both to San Luis and Veracruz, which are very different from each other. The culture I grew up with in Chicago also differed greatly from that of my Mexican peers and American colleagues at school and work. Now it feels complete, and I take pride in identifying as a Mexican from Chicago. Spending so much time in Mexico has taught me so much about my family and myself — insights I probably would never have gained if I hadn’t left Chicago.”

How do Mexicans in Mexico perceive your identity? 

J: “It’s very funny. We got the first taste from our family in Veracruz because we speak fluent Spanish and they were shocked. They were like: “You don’t sound like other pochos, who have more broken Spanish.” Their reaction highlighted how we were breaking their preconceived notions of what Mexican-Americans are like. Also, on YouTube, we’ve gotten hate comments from Mexicans saying we’re not really Mexican and also from Americans telling us we’re not American.”

What does the word “pocho” mean to you and have you been called it?

J: “It’s a term often used derogatorily. Some people have chosen to embrace it and give it a positive spin, but it still bothers me when others use it to describe me. The word ‘pocho,’ as I understand it, has roots meaning something that is rotten — like a spoiled piece of fruit. It implies that we’re not good enough. We’re not good enough to be Mexican and we’re not good enough to be American either. So they put us in this limbo place that we like to call ‘ni de aquí ni de allá’ (neither from here nor there) but we’ve given it a spin and we like to say ‘de aquí y de allá’ (from here and there), because we belong to both cultures.”

Tell me more about what the phrase ‘de aquí y de allá means to you? 

K: After spending so much time in Mexico, we truly feel at home here. The transition was much easier than we expected. At the same time, Chicago will always be home for us too. We feel comfortable in both places. We adopted the phrase because we’ve always felt we belong to both cultures rather than feeling like we don’t belong to either. In Mexico, we’re seen as American while in the U.S., we’re viewed as Mexican. Our constant travel between the two has shown us that both places are our home. We literally have citizenship in both countries, so we can proudly claim both, despite what others may say.”

In what ways has being bilingual and bicultural enriched your experience in Mexico?

J: “We feel like we have superpowers being fluent in two languages and bringing perspectives from both countries, though probably a bit more from the U.S.! We came to Mexico eager to learn and absorb what it has to offer. Mexico has so much to teach us and we aim to take the best from both worlds. That’s what ‘de aquí y de allá’ embodies — it’s a combination of ‘yes, and this.’ We blend the best of both to create the most fulfilling life we can. I believe that’s what our ancestors would have wanted for us: to see us happy and thriving, not struggling for basic needs. If we have the opportunity to live in the country they’ve called home for generations, why wouldn’t we?”

What is next for Jenny & Kevin?

K: “A couple of years ago, we bought land in Puerto Escondido near La Punta and we want to drive our car from Chicago to California then down to Baja and then put the car in a ferry to the coast to then make the trek to Oaxaca. Our goal is to turn the land into a home and possibly start a business, though we’re still brainstorming ideas. We might dive into this project right away or take one last taste of digital nomad life before we settle down to build both a home and a business.”

Are you a U.S.-born or raised child of Mexican immigrants currently living in Mexico? Perhaps your Mexican parents emigrated to another country, and you’ve chosen to return to Mexico? If so, I’d love to hear your story for this series! Please leave your email in the comments, and I’ll reach out.

Rocio is based in Mexico City and is the creator of CDMX iykyk, a newsletter designed to keep expats, digital nomads and the Mexican diaspora in the loop. The weekly dispatches feature top news, cultural highlights, upcoming CDMX events & local recommendations. For your weekly dose of must-know news about Mexico, subscribe here. 

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I’ve lived in rural Mexico, Chicago, Italy and South Korea. Having been exposed to cultures from across the world, I formed a very clear idea of the city I wanted to live in. 

My dream city needed to be big, vibrant, and cosmopolitan, with a major airport for easy domestic and international travel. I wanted nature within an hour’s drive, a walkable city with decent public transportation, and no need for a car (I hate driving). It had to be a direct flight from Chicago where my family lives. And, of course, it had to be affordable, with a thriving culinary and creative scene, rich history, and pleasant weather. Plus, green spaces were a must.

I doubted this city even existed.

Yet, in the most unexpected place, I found it. I never imagined that Mexico City would check nearly all my boxes. When people ask why I chose to move here, it is easier to name the two things I dislike: traffic and pollution. But just as there’s no perfect romantic partner, there’s no perfect city.

How I ended up living my best life here is a story I want to share with you as part of the new MND series, “My American Dream is in Mexico.” 

Who am I? 

I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants, born in Santa Rosa, a small village in the northern state of Durango with a population of just 100 people. When I was 11, my family moved to the Chicagoland area for the same reason most immigrants uproot: for a better life and more opportunities.  

As the youngest of four children, I naturally assimilated the most. I was the first to move out of my parents’ house at 18 to go to college in Chicago. From there, I studied abroad in Italy, and after graduating, I moved to South Korea to teach English and travel.

I’ve always wanted a lifestyle filled with creativity, freedom, and flexibility — while doing work I enjoy. For a while, I thought freelance writing was my ticket there, but I never truly went all in. The truth is, I was more drawn to the idea of the lifestyle than I was willing to hustle for it — like starting with topics I wasn’t passionate about or learning the ropes in unfamiliar areas.

So, instead, I focused on my full-time job to pay the bills while pursuing meaningful creative projects on the side. Then the pandemic hit, and suddenly, my dream lifestyle became a reality. Gone were the dreaded 45-minute commutes to my office in the city. In the blink of an eye, I had the freedom to work from anywhere.

How did I end up here?

Well, almost anywhere. In late 2020, much of the world was still closed, except for Mexico. So, I packed my bags and headed to Playa del Carmen to start my digital nomad journey.

After months in Quintana Roo, I traveled across Mexico, landing in Mexico City in the fall of 2021. People say that when you meet “the one,” you’ll just know. I don’t know if I fully believe that, but that’s exactly what happened with CDMX. The calm certainty I felt about this city was exactly what I needed, especially as an overthinker.

After my family left northern Mexico, I didn’t think I’d return to live here permanently. But early on, I realized how earning in dollars while living in Mexico gave me the ability to create a lifestyle that would be difficult to maintain in many U.S. cities. Still, my main reason for coming to Mexico in the height of the pandemic wasn’t financial — it was to heal from the deep depression I had fallen into. 

That decision changed everything. After months of talk therapy and holistic practices like temazcal and cacao ceremonies, I started to feel more like myself again. I discovered that I’m genuinely happier here. The energy in Mexico is simply different from the U.S.

Not to gloss over Mexico’s complex challenges, but there’s a warmth and joy in the people that’s harder to find where I grew up. I feel less anxiety, more grounded, and hearing Spanish all around me is a soothing connection to my roots. Reconnecting with my homeland has been a welcome side effect of living here and Mexican values of family and community resonate with me deeply.

There’s also an emotional aspect to returning to the country my parents left but with the privilege and financial ability to live in a way they never could. My parents rarely vacationed or experienced the richness and beauty of Mexico like I get to. And all of this is possible because of their sacrifices. I’m immensely proud of their work ethic and determination to create more opportunities for our family.

When I told my parents I was moving to Mexico City, they thought I was crazy. My dad, especially, was worried about the city’s crime. They remained skeptical, but thankfully, never tried to talk me out of it.

It’s ironic that I now live in the capital of the country my parents left to give me a better life. Their plan worked — my life is immeasurably better than if we had stayed in Mexico. But now, part of that dream has come full circle, bringing me back to my origins. It’s almost like a cosmic joke.

Our American Dream is in Mexico

And I’m not alone. Since the pandemic, many children of Mexican immigrants — like myself — are choosing to leave the U.S. for Mexico. While they’re seeking many things, their motivations mirror those of their parents—to pursue a better life. For many, it’s also about reconnecting with their ancestral homeland and heritage as well.

In the “My American Dream is in Mexico” series, we’ll explore the stories of Mexican-Americans who’ve made this journey back to Mexico. We’ll delve into their unique experiences, the cities they’re settling in, and the ties they’re rediscovering. We’ll also explore how their families feel about this new version of the American Dream.

If you’d like to share your story for this series, leave your email in the comments, and I’ll get in touch!

Rocio is based in Mexico City and is the creator of CDMX iykyk, a newsletter designed to keep expats, digital nomads and the Mexican diaspora in the loop. The weekly dispatches feature top news, cultural highlights, upcoming CDMX events & local recommendations. For your weekly dose of must-know news about Mexico, subscribe here.

The post My American Dream is in Mexico: Rocio appeared first on Mexico News Daily