The Undersecretary for North America, Carlos Sada, launched the 2017-2018 IME scholarship program today in Philadelphia. This government program helps Mexicans living in the United States to begin, continue or complete their studies. More than 68,000 Mexicans have taken part in the program since it began in 2005. This year, the goal is to give scholarships to 8,000 people, with a contribution from Mexico of 40 million pesos. At the launch, the Undersecretary awarded certificates to outstanding scholarship recipients, and to Mexicans who completed their elementary and middle school studies at Plazas Comunitarias (community centers).
The Undersecretary also attended other consular, community and economic events while in Philadelphia, in addition to meeting with lawyers and organizations that have partnered with the legal defense center in Mexico's consulate in Philadelphia. At that meeting, they agreed to redouble their joint efforts to protect the rights of the Mexican community in the United States. He also held meetings with community leaders, civil society and business executives in the region.
Trade between Mexico and Pennsylvania has grown 462% since the entry into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement. In 2016, it totaled USD 7.7 billion. According to the US Census Bureau, there are 141,431 Mexicans living in Pennsylvania.
