The upper classes of Mexico have been enjoying the fruits of America’s southwestern states while simultaneously turning their noses up at its locals since the Conquistadores first raped the Indians, but somehow the New York Times is just finding out about it. Just in time for Mexican Independence Day yesterday, their real estate section featured a profile on Ana Luisa Sanchez Maccise of Mexico City pictured here with her son Pablo in their country club estate in Houston. Maccise says she loves having a second (and third) home in America because here she is free to drive a Porsche or wear a $17,000 piece of jewelry without fear of being attacked or kidnapped by the starving riff raff. Something the wealthy must live in fear of in Mexico thanks to an economy that’s still fucked the fuck up. Mariana Saldaña, a broker and owner at the Uptown Real Estate Group in Houston gives us the economic scoop:

Mexicans prefer Houston, according to Ms. Saldaña, because luxury homes there cost less than those in California, Miami or even Mexico City. And from Houston, there are some 40 daily flights to Mexican cities, with at least 20 to Mexico City, a two-hour trip […] “They travel back and forth. They’re not interested in becoming U.S. citizens or renouncing Mexican citizenship. They just want to do trade, live here, pay taxes, be responsible residents, and be safe” […] She said 80 percent of Uptown Real Estate’s business is with Mexicans who have a net worth of up to $100 million. Many pay cash for their homes and are unaffected by market cycles.

Lucky them, but it looks like luck isn’t the only one on their side:

For those needing financing for a home or a business, Ms. Saldaña refers her clients to bankers she knows. Among them is Mexican-born Ana M. Kennedy, a senior loan officer for Chase Home Lending, which has a special program for international clients without a credit history in the United States. “Their credit can be ascertained from their own country,” Ms. Kennedy said. “They are exceptional borrowers with superb qualifications.”

We think that’s on the Statue of Liberty, no? Bring us your poor, your tired and your exceptional buyers with superb qualifications?