What do Expats have to say about U.S. State Department Travel Warnings?

 theyucatantimes.com

A recent travel warning issued by the U.S. State Department urges U.S. citizens to take precautions against violent crimes while travelling in Mexico during Spring Break, Holy Week and Easter Holidays.

The warning says that U.S. citizens who do travel to Mexico should always check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information regarding security issues in Mexico, and they should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program by visiting http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html

We are posting a message sent via Facebook by Mr. Mikel Miller an American Expat living in Mexico, please take 5 minutes to read.

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Just received an email from the U.S. State Department urging all of us who live in Mexico to take precautions while traveling during the next couple of weeks. Here’s my travel advisory for people who still live in the USA:

Crime Statistics
Mexico isn’t as dangerous as many places in the USA despite news media sensationalism about drug-related kidnapping and murder. The 2012 FBI data show higher homicide rates per 100,000 residents for many cities across the USA than in Mexico:

• Camden, NJ 86.27
  Chester, PA 64.25
  East St. Louis, IL 62.87
  Flint, MI 61.99
  Detroit, MI 54.59
  New Orleans, LA 53.19
  Saginaw, MI 52.67
  Atlantic City, NJ 47.83
  Gary, IN 45.98
  Ft. Myers, FL 37.28

Many Mexico cities have lower murder rates than all of these USA locations, and most people in the USA hardly think twice about visiting New Orleans, Atlantic City or Ft. Myers.

It’s important to understand that all these numbers include total homicides, including domestic violence, for both Mexicans and foreigners. Because homicide involving foreigners is rare, expats need to also know the risk of homicide for U.S. citizens. A U.S. State Department website tracks deaths of all U.S. citizens outside the United States, regardless of the reason.

Spring Break in Mexico (Photo: Google)

Further, About.com says there are ten other countries in the Caribbean region with 2012 murder rates higher than Mexico for each 100,000 residents:

• Honduras 92
  El Salvador 65
  Jamaica 41
  U.S. Virgin Islands 39
  St. Kitts and Nevis 38
  Guatemala 38
  Trinidad and Tobago 35
  Belize 31
  Bahamas 27
  Puerto Rico 26
  Mexico 24

Despite these statistics, most people don’t hesitate to vacation in Honduras, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, or Puerto Rico.
Enjoy vacationing and living in Mexico!
by Mikel Miller