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CHAPTER VIImmigration RegulatorySystem1. IntroductionCurrent trends in human migration worldwide suggest that in the coming years this phenomenonwill constitute one of the most important challenges of our time, with repercussionsfor the internal life of countries.As a country of origin, passage, and destination of immigrants, Mexico has seen a significantrhythm of growth in immigration in the last several decades, and the trend suggeststhat such growth will continue. As a result, the Mexican immigration laws, regulations,and other administrative provisions have become a complicated regulatory system governingthe entry, stay, activities, and departure of foreigners to and from Mexico.In this chapter we will discuss the different ways in which people can legally enter andstay in Mexico, based on the reason for their trip. We will then analyze the different typesof visas under which business people can enter our country, based upon the reason forand length of their stay. Finally, we will examine the types of visas under which foreignerscan be authorized by the National Immigration Institute to work in Mexico and theprocedures in place for requesting these visas.This chapter puts a special emphasis on business people, as well as workers, managers,and technicians who come to Mexico temporarily or permanently.1032. Forms of Legal Entry into the CountryAccording to the General Immigration Law (Ley General de Población), foreigners whocan legally enter the country fall into the following categories:a) Non-Immigrant. This is the foreigner who, with permission from the Ministry of theInterior (Secretaría de Gobernación, SEGOB), enters the country temporarily;b) Immigrant. This is the foreigner who legally enters the country for purposes ofresiding here in anticipation of achieving the status of permanent resident alien.