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-Editorial
Tatiana Clouthier, the newly appointed Director of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IMME), visited the San Francisco Bay Area over Mother’s Day weekend to engage with community members, local officials, and Mexican consular representatives.
Clouthier, who previously served as Mexico’s Secretary of Economy and a federal congresswoman, has held her new position for just over 45 days. She now oversees the IMME, which supports Mexican consulates in strengthening ties with Mexican nationals living abroad.
During her visit, Clouthier participated in a cultural celebration in Redwood City organized by Casa Círculo Cultural (CCC), which included music, dance, and remarks from local and county officials. She delivered a message on behalf of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, stating that the administration has called for greater proximity and engagement with Mexican communities abroad.
“We’ve been asked by the President to stay close to our people,” Clouthier told the audience, encouraging attendees to form a large circle, symbolizing community unity and strength. “It’s through circles that we grow and support each other in difficult times,” she said.
Following the event in Redwood City, Clouthier met in San José with business leaders, labor organizers, educators, and community advocates to hear their concerns. She was joined by Mexico’s Consul in San José, Alejandra Bologna. Among the key issues raised were difficulties in scheduling consular appointments, limited access to higher education for the children of immigrants, and the need to strengthen alliances with other Latin American communities to confront anti-immigrant policies.
Consul Bologna emphasized the importance of updating the government’s digital platforms, noting widespread frustration with the current appointment system.
Later, Clouthier visited the Mayfair Community Center in East San José, where she was welcomed by residents and public officials. San José Police Captain—himself a son of immigrants—affirmed that local law enforcement is focused on crime prevention and does not engage in immigration enforcement, a statement Clouthier praised amid rising anxieties among immigrant communities.
During her visit, Clouthier outlined the key functions of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IMME), emphasizing its multifaceted approach to supporting Mexican nationals living abroad. These functions include educational support through programs that assist with language acquisition, digital literacy, and civic education, such as guidance on voting from abroad and understanding local laws. The IMME also promotes financial inclusion by offering resources on entrepreneurship, managing remittances, using binational debit cards, and planning for retirement, particularly for self-employed workers. Cultural and linguistic initiatives aim to preserve bicultural identity and provide services for speakers of indigenous languages. In the area of health, the institute helps migrants navigate healthcare systems in their host countries and organizes community health events. Additionally, the IMME fosters professional networking by connecting Mexican professionals across borders to facilitate collaboration and mutual growth.
Clouthier also addressed criticisms about her appointment to the role. “Some questioned how I went from being a cabinet minister to this position,” she said. “But there is no greater honor than helping our fellow Mexicans abroad feel that their homeland is within reach.”
Regarding bilateral relations, Clouthier highlighted President Sheinbaum’s scientific approach to leadership, describing her decisions as thoughtful and forward-looking. On U.S.-Mexico dynamics, she commented on the complexity of maintaining balance in cross-border policy: “There are those who like to walk the edge, but the edge is still a cliff. We must tread carefully for the sake of long-term results.”
Clouthier’s visit marked a renewed effort by the IMME to engage more deeply with Mexican communities in the U.S., in line with the new administration’s priorities.