Immigration in Mexico has not had an overwhelming impact on the total population compared to other countries, but there has been a considerable increase in the foreign population since Mexico was consolidated as an independent nation. Due to the geographical position of Mexico and due to social, economic, climatological, cultural, and transit reasons, foreigners have stayed throughout the territory. Historically, the country has not sought mass immigration but has been the focus of attraction for more selective immigration to which is added an old tradition of political asylum due to religious or ideological persecution, for which reason intellectuals, scientists, and artists reside in Mexico come from other nations and who have contributed in various scientific and artistic fields.