"Gringo, go home!" — the message has been scrawled across walls in Mexico City amid rising anger over soaring rents and displacement.

Increasing numbers of Americans are relocating south of the border, driving up housing prices and pushing longtime residents out. Traditional shops are closing, replaced by trendy cafes and wine bars dominated by English. Many Mexicans see a double standard: While US citizens can stay in Mexico for months visa-free, Mexicans need visas even for short visits to the US.