Mexico welcomes returning migrants

As usual during this time of year, more than a million Mexican immigrants are expected to cross the border to spend the holiday season with their loved ones. But this time around, there is an added element to their journey: Many of them could end up making a one-way trip back home.

Mexican immigrants are finding it increasingly difficult to live in the United States. The land of opportunity that once embraced their work ethic and unique abilities is becoming, to many, a land of misfortune and rejection. A country that appreciated and took advantage of their hard labor is now telling them they are not welcome anymore.

For many immigrants, coming to this country is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work and help support their families back home. Some of them have established roots here. They've gotten married, had children; they have become an integral part of their communities and parishes. Others, however, just planned to save enough money to go back home and build a better future for themselves and their families. For those, maybe that time has come.

There are no exact figures, but stories abound of immigrants who have decided not to return to the United States after their holiday vacation south of the border. It's just not the same here anymore. Hate crimes have increased. Discrimination and racial profiling are on the rise as a result of the hostile environment toward illegal immigrants. Immigration raids and random collateral arrests have people living in fear. Many parents are afraid to take their children to school, not knowing if they will be picked up and separated from their family, even if the kids are U.S. citizens.