MPI | Publications | America's Emigrants: US Retirement Migration to Mexico and Panama

MPI Publications

America's Emigrants:
US Retirement Migration to Mexico and Panama

In America's Emigrants: US Retirement Migration to Mexico and Panama, the Migration Policy Institute focuses on an often overlooked but growing migration pattern that is expected to accelerate as the baby boom generation ages.

America's Emigrants takes a detailed look at US retirement migration to two countries -- Mexico and Panama -- that have experienced particularly dramatic growth in their US senior populations in recent years. This report provides analysis of demographic data as well as findings from interviews and focus groups led by MPI researchers. It explores the number and characteristics of US seniors in Mexico and Panama and looks at US retirees' experiences in and impacts on their new communities abroad. The report gives special attention to the role of government policies - from visa policies in destination countries to health policies in the United States - in promoting or deterring international retirement migration.

CONTENTS

Executive Summary

Introduction

Prior Literature on Retirement Migration

Introduction to Mexico and Panama: Background and Policies

Methodology

Estimates of the US Population in Latin America

Seniors in Mexico

Seniors in Panama

Growth in US Retiree Populations Post-2000

Retiree Experiences: Moving Abroad

Factors Considered in the Move

Deciding to Move: Process and Information Sources

Adaptation after Migration

Economic Impact

Social or Cultural Impact

Conclusions

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