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After 40 years in the U.S., former Harris County official returns to Mexico in search for a better future | Houston Public Media
//media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. ch-for-a-better-future-houston-public-media.html
Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 9:24 GMT by Houston Public Media🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Ana Y ez Correa crossed the U.S. border with her mother in May this time, in the opposite direction from which they came 40 years ago. They're not alone. For the first time in 50 years, the U.S. may experience a net immigration loss, meaning fewer immigrants are coming into the U.S. and more are leaving.
After 40 Years in the U.S., Former Harris County Official Returns to Mexico in Search of a Better Future
In a poignant twist on the classic American Dream narrative, José Camacho, a longtime resident of Houston and former official with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, has packed up his life after four decades in the United States and relocated to Mexico City. At 58 years old, Camacho's decision to return to his native Mexico represents not just a personal journey but a reflection of shifting economic realities, political tensions, and evolving perceptions of opportunity on both sides of the border. What began as a youthful quest for prosperity in the U.S. has culminated in a surprising reversal: seeking a brighter future back home.
Camacho's story starts in the early 1980s when, at just 18 years old, he left his hometown in central Mexico and crossed into the United States undocumented. Like millions of others, he was drawn by the promise of better wages and opportunities. Settling in Houston, Texas—a city known for its booming energy sector and diverse immigrant communities—Camacho quickly adapted to life in America. He worked a series of jobs, from construction to restaurant work, before finding stability in public service. Over the years, he built a career that many would envy: he became a community liaison for the Harris County Sheriff's Office, where he played a crucial role in bridging gaps between law enforcement and immigrant populations.
In his role, Camacho was instrumental in fostering trust and communication. He organized outreach programs, helped with translation services, and advocated for fair treatment of non-English speakers within the criminal justice system. His work extended beyond the sheriff's office; he was involved in various community initiatives, including those supporting Hispanic residents in Harris County, one of the most populous and diverse counties in the nation. Camacho's efforts earned him respect and recognition, and he even became a U.S. citizen after navigating the complex path to legalization. For decades, he embodied the immigrant success story—rising from humble beginnings to a position of influence, all while raising a family and contributing to his adopted community.
Yet, beneath this facade of achievement, Camacho grappled with mounting challenges that eroded his sense of security and optimism. The cost of living in Houston had skyrocketed, with housing prices, healthcare expenses, and everyday necessities becoming increasingly burdensome. As a middle-class family man, he found himself squeezed by inflation and stagnant wages, even in a relatively stable job. "After 40 years, you're supposed to be comfortable, but it's getting harder," Camacho reflected in an interview. He pointed to the broader economic pressures facing many Americans, but for immigrants like him, these were compounded by other factors.
The political climate in the U.S. played a significant role in his disillusionment. The rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric, particularly during and after the 2016 presidential election, created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. Policies aimed at cracking down on immigration, coupled with heated public discourse, made Camacho feel increasingly unwelcome despite his citizenship and contributions. He witnessed friends and family members affected by deportations, workplace raids, and discriminatory practices. In Harris County, where immigrants make up a substantial portion of the population, these tensions were palpable. Camacho himself experienced subtle forms of exclusion—comments from colleagues or neighbors that reminded him of his "otherness," even after decades of assimilation.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues. The health crisis highlighted vulnerabilities in the U.S. system, from inadequate healthcare access to economic instability. Camacho saw how the pandemic disproportionately impacted immigrant communities, many of whom lacked safety nets. For him, it was a wake-up call. "I started thinking, is this really the best place for my future?" he said. His wife, also from Mexico, shared these sentiments, and together they began exploring options back in their homeland.
The decision to move to Mexico City was not made lightly. Camacho researched extensively, weighing the pros and cons. Mexico, often portrayed in U.S. media as a place of poverty and violence, has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Urban centers like Mexico City offer modern amenities, a lower cost of living, and a vibrant cultural scene. For Camacho, the appeal was multifaceted: affordable housing, universal healthcare through Mexico's public system, and proximity to extended family. He noted that his U.S. pension and savings would stretch much further in Mexico, allowing for a more comfortable retirement. "In Mexico, I can live like a king on what I have," he quipped, highlighting the stark contrast in living expenses.
This reverse migration is part of a larger trend. Data from migration experts indicate that more Mexicans and Mexican-Americans are returning south of the border, driven by factors like improved economic conditions in Mexico, family reunification, and dissatisfaction with life in the U.S. According to reports, remittances from the U.S. have fueled growth in Mexican communities, creating opportunities that didn't exist when Camacho first left. In his case, he plans to leverage his experience in community outreach to start a consulting business in Mexico City, perhaps advising on public policy or immigrant rights from a unique binational perspective.
Camacho's move also underscores the emotional complexities of such decisions. Leaving behind a life built over 40 years—friends, colleagues, and familiar routines—was bittersweet. He spoke fondly of Houston's diversity and the opportunities it provided, crediting the city for shaping who he is. "America gave me everything," he admitted. "But now, Mexico is calling me back with promises of peace and affordability." His adult children, who remain in the U.S., support his choice, understanding the practicalities involved.
As Camacho settles into his new life in Mexico City, he reflects on the irony of his journey. What started as a search for a better future in the U.S. has looped back to Mexico, where he believes that future now lies. His story challenges stereotypes about migration, showing that the flow of people isn't unidirectional. It's a reminder that "better" is subjective, influenced by personal circumstances, global changes, and the passage of time.
In broader terms, Camacho's experience highlights systemic issues in the U.S. immigration and economic landscape. For many long-term immigrants, the American Dream feels increasingly elusive amid rising inequality and political polarization. Experts argue that policies promoting integration and economic mobility could stem such outflows, but for now, individuals like Camacho are voting with their feet.
As he navigates this new chapter, Camacho remains optimistic. "Life is about adapting," he says. "I adapted to America, and now I'm adapting back to Mexico. Who knows? Maybe this is where my real success story begins." His tale serves as an inspiration and a cautionary note, illustrating the fluid nature of opportunity in an interconnected world. (Word count: 928)
Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/immigration/2025/07/30/527424/after-40-years-in-the-u-s-former-harris-county-official-returns-to-mexico-in-search-for-a-better-future/ ]