International

Remittances now come with a 3.5% surcharge
 Articles, Economy, International, Taxes

Now Charging Hope: Remittances Hit With 3.5% Fee

Just when you thought the border couldn’t get any pricier—remittances now come with a 3.5% surcharge.

Last week, the proposed 5% remittance tariff set off alarms. We unpacked the implications in our article “The Debate Over the 5% Remittance Fee: Baja’s Perspective”, highlighting concerns for families, cross-border workers, and Mexico’s economy.

But this morning, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed during her daily press conference that the number has been negotiated down to 3.5%. Still, the tariff remains active and very real.

3.5% Remittance Tax Stays: Presidenta Sheinbaum calls it unfair—yet confirms it’s still in place.

Sheinbaum insists the fee is unjust and violates a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Mexico. She’s pushing to eliminate it altogether. But for now, it stands—and it hits a sensitive nerve in Mexico’s financial stability.

It’s Not Just Money

Remittances represent a significant slice of Mexico’s GDP, especially in border regions like Baja California. Cities such as Tijuana depend on thousands of cross-border workers—many of whom lack formal documentation or status.

So far, no thorough study has determined how many of these workers are U.S. citizens, legal residents, or hold temporary work permits. And that doesn’t even count the thousands working off the books.

In 2024, Mexicans sent home over $63 billion dollars in remittances. That’s not just a number—it’s sacrifice, family ties, and economic survival.

Now, imagine skimming 3.5% off the top. That’s money lost on both sides of the border.

Pushback Grows

To respond, Sheinbaum’s administration is proposing a permanent binational roundtable with diaspora leaders—those representing migrant communities abroad who understand the human impact of these policies.

(For more on how diasporas can shape policy, check this international initiative.)

Critics are lining up. Javier Medina, a Mexican-American professor and researcher living in Arlington, Texas, warned that the fee could undermine the main incentive that drives legal migration and formal employment.

“If you weaken that support channel,” Medina said, “you’re not just taxing dollars. You’re cutting into the very reason many migrants keep going.”

Baja’s Reality Check

For Baja, the stakes are deeply personal. Will this policy drive remittance activity underground? Will families turn away from banks?

And the bigger question—who really gains from taxing care?

This isn’t just about money transfers.

It’s about people.

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A wide, clean gallery view with vibrant art and strong lighting
 Articles, Arts & Literature, Baja Norte, Border, Calendar of Events, Events, Humane Society, International

🎨 Benito’s Big Weekend: Artwalk Rosarito Doubles Down on Culture

Cancel your beach nap. You’ve got plans. Artwalk Rosarito returns May 24–25 at CEART Playas de Rosarito, and this year it’s not just another art fair—it’s a full-on cultural upgrade.

Originally a modest setup of scattered tents, the event has now evolved into a polished pavilion experience. That leap is thanks to the bold vision of Benito del Águila, a local artist turned cultural architect. His mission? Elevate Rosarito’s creative scene and give artists the platform they deserve.

So yes—Benito, we see you. Turning creative chaos into a structured, inspiring space takes more than talent. It takes guts and community spirit, and you’ve brought both.

Now, for those coming from the U.S., this is your Memorial Day weekend excuse to skip the BBQ and head south. Instead of traffic jams and outlet sales, you’ll get art, music, and color—just a quick ride from the border.

Art That Crosses Borders (Without a Visa)

At the heart of the event is the featured exhibition “The Line That Connects: Cross-Border Connections.” It brings together over 50 artists who explore what it means to live between worlds. Sculpture, painting, photography, and textiles all blend into a collective narrative—no passport required, just curiosity.

You’ll walk through works that speak not just to identity, but also to resilience, memory, and connection.

In addition to the visual spectacle, visitors can enjoy live performances, poetry readings, and an enigmatic gastronomic area. And yes, we said enigmatic. Will it be tacos? A churro? Something that comes wrapped in banana leaves or just bacon?

No spoilers here—but odds are your cravings will thank you.

To top it off, the music lineup promises a mix of soloists, orchestras, and folk ballet. Picture yourself listening to a string quartet while sipping agua fresca, surrounded by Baja’s boldest creativity. Doesn’t sound too bad, right?

The Real Star? Baja.

Big names like Francisco Javier Macías Rosales will definitely draw attention, but the real power of Artwalk lies in its range. It’s not about one headline artist. It’s about the 90+ creators showing up with paint, metal, textiles, and pure Baja soul.

Why go to L.A. for a gallery when Baja’s beating heart is creating masterpieces right here?

  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025
  • #Art Walk Rosarito 2025

🗓️ Plan Your Weekend Like a Pro:

📍 CEART Playas de Rosarito

📆 May 24–25

🎟️ Free entry

🐾 Pet-friendly

🎨 90+ artists and countless reasons to show up

Final thought? Don’t just come for the sea view—come for the local vision.

Benito laid down the canvas. Now it’s our turn to bring the crowd.

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screwworm
 Articles, International

Cows on Hold, But Cooperation Rides Strong

This week’s border buzz isn’t about people. It’s about cows—and one nasty little parasite.

The U.S. just paused cattle imports from Mexico. The freeze will last 15 days. The reason? A flesh-eating pest called the New World screwworm.

The worm showed up in Chiapas and Veracruz. Those states aren’t major cattle exporters. Still, the U.S. didn’t want to risk it.

So, they shut the gates—fast.

That didn’t sit well with Mexico. President Sheinbaum fired back. “Mexico is no one’s piñata,” she said. Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué called out the lack of warning. After all, both countries have protocols for this.

Despite the drama, both sides are working together. Mexico jumped into action. Officials started releasing sterile flies to stop the worms from spreading. Weird, yes—but also effective.

The USDA admitted the effort is solid. They’re staying in touch with Mexican authorities. That’s a good sign.

But ranchers are nervous. Mexico sends over $1 billion in cattle to the U.S. each year. Even a short delay can cause headaches. On the U.S. side, buyers are watching closely too.

Nobody wants worms crossing the border. But nobody wants to lose business either.

🐄 So, what do you think? Smart move or overreaction? Send us your thoughts—we’re always listening.

Here’s an explication about the “gusano barrenador” Screwworm

#Diagram from Ciencia UNAM
The image titled “¡Cuidado con el Gusano Barrenador!” (Beware of the Screwworm!) provides information in Spanish about the New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, and its life cycle. It warns about the dangers of screwworm infestation, where some fly species deposit their eggs in superficial wounds of mammals. The larva is described as resembling a small screw with rings of spines and hooks for tearing tissues. It affects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, with cattle, horses, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, birds, and deer being more susceptible, usually in open wounds. In people, infestations require hospitalization. The life cycle includes oviposition where the female fly lays up to 3,000 eggs in three days, the larval phase where the larvae hatch and feed on living tissue, the pupal phase in the soil, and finally the adult that emerges in 7 to 10 days and can fly long distances. If animals do not receive treatment, they can die within one to two weeks. The image also highlights that it is a zoonosis, emphasizing the need for extreme precautions for its control. In summary, the infographic alerts about the screwworm, details its life cycle, identifies hosts, describes the effects, and underscores its zoonotic nature and the importance of control.Read more: Cows on Hold, But Cooperation Rides Strong

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 Breaking News, International

White smoke alert! The Catholic Church just made history.

This Thursday, May 8, the Vatican confirmed what thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square had hoped: we have a new pope. After only two days of voting, white smoke floated out of the Sistine Chapel chimney at 6:07 p.m. local time. That meant one thing—decision made.

The new leader? Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago. He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV—and he’s the first American-born pope ever.

#Pope Leo XIV—and he’s the first American-born pope ever.

Even more surprising, he wasn’t the frontrunner. Still, the cardinals reached a rare fast-track consensus after just four rounds of voting. Moments later, the traditional Habemus Papam echoed from the basilica’s balcony. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti made it official before a crowd of over 150,000.

Pope Leo XIV, born in 1955, spent nearly 40 years in Peru as a missionary and bishop. Because of this, he holds dual citizenship—U.S. and Peruvian. Before today, he was the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, meaning he already had serious Vatican credentials.

In his first speech, he thanked Pope Francis and called for “peace, unity, and courage.” Then he turned to the crowd and, in Spanish, sent a heartfelt message to his old diocese in Chiclayo, Peru. Smooth move, Padre.

This conclave followed the April 21 passing of Pope Francis, who died at 88. While some expected a longer vote, the outcome signals strong agreement within the church. Many see this new pope as a global bridge between Latin America, North America, and Rome.

🙏 Whether you’re religious or just curious, this is a big one. And yes, the Gringo Gazette saw it coming.

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