Quintana Roo Governor Slams U.S. Remittance Tax Plan

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa of Quintana Roo has firmly opposed the U.S. government's proposal to impose a 5% tax on remittances sent to Mexico. In a social media statement supporting President Claudia Sheinbaum's humanitarian stance, Lezama condemned the measure as "discriminatory and unjust." The tax is part of a fiscal reform proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

A Controversial Measure

Governor Lezama criticized the proposed tax, stating, "We consider this a discriminatory and unfair measure against the honest work of millions of our fellow countrymen and migrant heroes, who also contribute irreplaceably to the U.S. economy." She noted that even some Republican lawmakers, members of Trump's own party, have rejected the proposal.

The governor joined calls to prevent the tax, which could impact thousands of Mexican migrants and families reliant on remittances. These funds serve as a primary income source in many Mexican states and have been the country's leading source of foreign currency since 2015, surpassing oil revenues.

"Support must be unconditional for those most in need!" Lezama concluded.

Broader Opposition

During her Friday morning press conference, President Sheinbaum also denounced the proposed tax as "discriminatory." She argued that instead of burdening migrants, the U.S. government should explore alternative revenue sources.

Official data highlights the economic significance of remittances: in 2024, they accounted for 44.4% of Mexico's total foreign currency inflows, totaling over $64 billion. The same year saw a record 164.7 million transactions, marking a 2.3% increase from 2023. The average remittance amount per transaction was $393, a critical supplement to household incomes for recipient families.

The debate over the tax continues as Mexican officials and advocates push back against what they view as an undue financial burden on migrant workers and their dependents.