In 2004, Mexican immigrants in the United States sent a record of $16.6 billion dollars to their relatives in Mexico. Cross-border consolidation of banks has created the opportunity for migrants to send money home at no cost. However, most migrants do not choose this cost-free option of sending money home. This is due to the various barriers detering migrants from using banks. But this is changing. Political-economic developments are leveling these barriers, clearing the way for increasing numbers of migrants to use financial institutions for remitting money to Mexico.
