What factors cause people to emigrate from Mexico to the United States?

In the article “Closed-Door Policy” Douglas Massey argues that immigration is caused by changes in the sending country’s economy and by established links between the sending and receiving countries. He suggests regulating the border binationally to make immigration flows legal and orderly.

“On Immigration, The AFL-CIO Gets It Right” includes information on why people migrate.

Click on the volume titled Mexico in Transition to find the article "Mexican Immigration" by Marcelo Suarez-Orozco.

In the article “West’s Policies Ignore Real Causes of Immigration” Prof. Sassen argues that many policies implemented by receiving countries, such as international trade and austerity measures, contribute to the rise in people emigrating from sending countries.

“Mexican Immigration and Popular Culture” outlines some of the factors causing Mexicans to immigrate to the United States. The article also includes information about the benefits of immigration for both countries.

How has emigration to the United States affected the political climate in Mexico?

In “Mexico’s Circle of Misery” Jorge Castañeda presents the case that immigration and the remittances sent home by immigrants have created a widely-dispersed group of Mexican citizens who are immune to the decisions made by the Mexican government. He further argues that the existence of large groups who are indifferent to their own government has slowed the process of reform.

“Migration, Assimilation and Diaspora: Positive Sum Solutions are Possible” is an opinion piece which argues that the new Mexican laws allowing dual nationality will help immigrants to assimilate into American society.

The article “Cheap U.S. Items Force Many Off Land in Mexico” examines the link between the Mexican rural crisis caused by NAFTA and the increase in immigration.

“California Is Now a Majority Minority State: Politics Has to Change With Demographics” is an editorial piece outlining ways in which California politics should change to reflect the demographic change.

“Latino Voting in California Surged in 1996 Election” documents the surge in Latino voters in the first post-187 election.

“Research Indicates Gap Between Voters, Non-Voters Will Persist” takes a different view than the previous article. Dan Walters presents research that suggests that demographic change will not substantially affect voting patterns for several decades.

“Is Black Politics Dead in California?” compares the political fortunes of African-American and Latino candidates in California.

“Latinos Take Electoral Power in the United States – California: Political Thermometer” is an opinion piece that suggests that demographic changes have made it politically expedient for California leaders to demonstrate their good relations with Mexico.

“The Latino Vote in 2000, 2002, and 2004” gives an analysis of Latino voting patterns on a national level.

What are the costs of immigration to the United States?

“Immigration From Mexico: Assessing the Impact on the United States” is a report put together by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) using data from the 2000 Census to assess the impact of Mexican immigration on the U.S. The mission of CIS is described as follows:

Our Mission . . . It is the Center's mission to expand the base of public knowledge and understanding of the need for an immigration policy that gives first concern to the broad national interest. The Center is animated by a pro-immigrant, low-immigration vision which seeks fewer immigrants but a warmer welcome for those admitted.

“The New Economics of Immigration” analyzes immigration from an economic perspective.