Benefits of Permanent Residency Status

[jesm]

A most worthwhile conversation, especially so with the demographics and political situation north of border. There are pros and cons for either choice.
We have lived in Mexico full time now 13 years. First 8 in temporary status now "permanentes" for last 5.
Having to deal repeatedly with INM is a pure bitch. Arsenic in a large
dose became increasingly more attractive as each temp renewal loomed ahead.
The entire immigration scheme changed significantly thru legislation passed in 2012 but which was not fully implemented across INM until 2014. Visa initiation shifted to outside the country and some restrictions on foreign plated vehicles kicked in.
We found the tradeoffs to be overall positive for our lives and moved to Permanent status in 2014 once all the new regs were understood and in-place. A big factor for us is our strong commitment to living our lives permanently in Mexico and we wanted that commitment to flow in both directions. By that I mean we were promising our future to Mexico and wanted the same promise from the peoples of Mexico as evidenced by their government's permission for us to be here forever.
More practical considerations such as the vehicle policy were way secondary.
Now for the money. We sold a home on the Pacific coast in 2017. Our Permanent immigration status was a non-factor. No impact or consideration
involved. This, despite my swearing we were due a break due to our prized permanent status. Our Notario closing the sale asked what is the basis for your request for reduced capital gains on the sale? Well, I said because every expat here and every real estate sales persons say so. He laughed and said no such provision exists under current law. No go!
Public Health care options are influx to say the least. Rumors galore, facts sketchy at best. Now as permanents we are enrolled in Seguro Popular a decent mostly free program with resources across the country. Anecdotal reports say these programs may become restricted to citizens only. I hold strong doubts on such rumors belivng the country must offer some health care solution, perhaps at cost or with limitations, to individuals that the same government has granted life long permission to be here. Time alone will tell on this one.