Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on July 4 in Mexico City to protest against gentrification. Protesters highlighted the struggles faced by locals due to soaring rents and neighbourhood transformations. The influx of US migrants in districts like Colonia Condesa, has exacerbated gentrification issues prompting calls for legal migration. Affluent foreigners, particularly Americans, are increasingly working remotely in Mexico City due to its lower cost of living compared to most American cities. This trend has sparked backlash because many Americans can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days without a visa.
00:28The legal is just because of this part of the state that deprives the wealth of life.
00:41This is a lie, and that they have to expand this lie to legitimize the stock.
00:58The reason we've gathered here is precisely to hear the thoughts of many victims, mainly young people today for whom it's almost impossible to live, to find housing.
01:26It's not just that. We're living the consequences of gentrification, which is the government directing its public policies towards people with higher purchasing power, often illegally displacing local populations who have lived in these neighborhoods for 40, 50, and we have documented cases of up to 60 years.
01:45The main issues are precisely the rising rent costs, which is the only housing model the government provides.
01:51In five years, rents have increased by 47%. This is violent for the local population.
01:57We are debating whether to pay for electricity, water, or food. Of course, we choose to eat.
02:03The legal is just because of this part of the state that deprives the wealth of money.
02:22Primarily, if they're going to live, come to live in a country, they have to contribute to that country.
02:28The first and simplest issue is legal migration. They come here with visas or no visas.
02:34And still the change in purchasing power generates these problems of gentrification and displacement.
