MIGRATION AND REMITTANCES: CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN REGIONS OF PUEBLA AND VERACRUZ, MEXICO

A positive result from emigration of Mexicans to the USA is the flow of remittances, which in 2009 represented 21 181 million dollars; this was second in currency revenue, only to oil sales. The objective of this study was to analyze the sum, use and impact of remittances on migrants' communities of origin. The approach used was social networks, and it was explored through a case study. Results show that migrants work primarily in construction and restaurants in the USA, and that they obtain an average net income of $903 dollars per month, out of which they send $262 dollars to their families; that is, 29%. These remittances are carried out at least once a month and they are destined primarily to purchasing goods and services. Their main use is to cover basic necessities; however, they represent potential capital in the towns, as a means to renovate productive processes and for food availability.