The New Mexicans

For many Mexicans, social mobility moves downward too easily

(Dominic Bracco II / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)

A slim majority of Mexicans has made its way into an emerging middle class, but staying there isn’t easy.

Mexicans snap up ‘Made in U.S.A.’

Mexicans snap up ‘Made in U.S.A.’

Trade between the U.S. and its southern neightbor has soared, with Mexico vying with China to become America’s second-largest trading partner.

For Mexican voters, few good choices

For Mexican voters, few good choices

Mexicans in the violent city of Tampico say they must make a vote based less on hope and more on fear.

In Mexico, the booming auto industry fuels growth of the middle class

In Mexico, the booming auto industry fuels growth of the middle class

A job at Nissan’s plant in Mexico is akin to working in the U.S. for Ford in the 1950s. Except for the pay.

Mexico’s new middle class is taking over

Mexico’s new middle class is taking over

The swelling ranks of the middle class in Mexico are crowding new Wal-Marts, driving Nissan sedans and maxing out their credit cards.

The New Mexicans

This series examines the dramatic demographic changes occurring in Mexico, where the middle class is becoming a majority.

Mexico’s need to engineer jobs

Mexico’s need to engineer jobs

Despite soaring numbers, many engineering graduates go to work in low-level managerial jobs at assembly plants.

Returning migrants boost middle class

Returning migrants boost middle class

In the U.S., they were illegal aliens. Back home, they are new entrepreneurs using the billions of dollars earned in America to create a middle class.

For Mexico’s middle class, drug war deepens trust deficit

For Mexico’s middle class, drug war deepens trust deficit

Country’s financial resources are growing, but Mexicans still don’t trust institutions or each other.

Photo Galleries

A deepening deficit of trust

In Mexico, the drug war has deeply eroded people’s trust in authorities and neighbors.

Success and struggle in Mexico’s motor city

Automakers are transforming workers’ lives, but wages still lag far behind their U.S. counterparts.

Middle class marches along in a changing Mexico

The ranks of middle class Mexicans is swelling.