Objectives: We investigate how the matrilineal vs. patrilineal origin of Mexican couples’ migrant networks are associated with the aspirations to migrate and the subsequent migration behavior of each spouse.

Methods: Using longitudinal data from the Mexican Family Life Survey (2002-2005) on 3,923 married couples across 139 municipalities; we estimate multi-level logistic regressions predicting aspirations to migrate to the United States for each spouse and the subsequent migration behavior of the couple in the inter-wave period.

Results: The networks of both ego and spouse are associated with U.S. migration aspirations although they matter more for the person from which they originate. Only matrilineal networks predicted a subsequent move to the U.S. for men and women/couples, who were assessed jointly.

Conclusion: Matrilineal networks are instrumental in the migration process, particularly of the couple. As such, they could prove instrumental in helping understand the migration motivations and dynamics of individuals and families.