Fact Sheet: U.S. – Mexico Bilateral Cooperation

by Joseph Robinette Biden

“We are friends and allies, and our relationship is based on mutual respect for our peoples and our nations’ sovereignty.”

The scope of bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico is broad and deep, encompassing extensive historical, cultural, and commercial ties. With 2,000 miles of border, the relationship with Mexico impacts the lives of millions of Americans every day. Each day, nearly $1.9 billion in trade crosses our shared border. Today, President Biden will meet with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to usher in a new phase of the U.S. – Mexico bilateral relationship emphasizing the following:

Pandemic Response: It is in the national security interest of both nations to work closely with Mexico to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Both countries communicate actively on the impact of COVID-19 on border communities and adjust border policies to match the realities on the ground to protect the health and safety of both our peoples, and to keep essential supply chains operational.

Migration and Joint Development Efforts: The United States and Mexico share a vision that recognizes the dignity of migrants as well as orderly, safe and regular migration, and a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and we are working with regional and international partners to promote growth throughout the region. The United States has suspended all enrollments in the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and is now processing migrants at select ports of entry.

Economic Cooperation: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will support mutually beneficial trade and will be the backbone of our regional economic recovery. USMCA is also expected to prioritize the rights of workers by generating job opportunities; improving worker protections; and preventing forced labor.

Security: The governments of Mexico and the United States agree on the importance of working together against the common threat posed by transnational organized crime. Through the Merida Initiative, the United States has appropriated more than $3.2 billion in equipment, training, and capacity building from FY 2008 – FY 2020. We regularly cooperate to stem the flow of people, illegal narcotics, arms, and other contraband.

Climate Change: The climate change agenda is a North American agenda, and both countries agree on the importance of tackling the climate crisis as both a security challenge and an economic opportunity. As a leader on climate policy, the United States will work together with Mexico to promote climate ambitions across the region.