Written by Maria Paulina Villalvazo from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City

Mexican migration today: A preliminary view

In the XXI century, there is no record of the existence of another mass flow of immigrants that can mirror the characteristics of the bilateral migratory nexus between Mexico and North America. What makes this case study distinctive is the sheer number of individuals that have embarked in this journey and the prolonged historical tradition that exists between these two neighbors. To further the understanding of this particular immigrant phenomenon, we consider it important to denote four fundamental characteristics.

First, hand in hand with the increase of border security operatives and the actual trajectory which may be deemed an ever deadlier obstacle course, Mexican migration has ceased to have a temporal connotation and is swiftly adopting a pattern of permanence. The undeniable descent in the probability of return to Mexican soil as well as the considerable increase in population data generated by the U.S Census, give prove to the fact that current public policy in this area is not generating the desired results. Secondly, it is unarguable that Mexican presence, as a whole, in the United States is visible, unavoidable, and growing at a rapid pace. Furthermore, it is necessary to note that such a presence is no longer confined to border regions and states which have been traditionally viewed as receptors. As a third instance it is relevant to mention that, information gathered by the Pew Hispanic Center shows a 67% increase in immigrants of recent arrival into the US during the last 20 years. Such data underlines the clear increase in illegal migration. Finally, we must appreciate that Mexicans now have a bigger social and occupational diversification both in their country of origin and in the receptive state.

When we consider the various dimensions of the issue at hand, we must take into account that its complexity and multiplicity have a direct influence not only on the lives of the millions of immigrants, but also on the 18 million Americans of Mexican descent, and consequently on the more than 40 million individuals who have some form of family connection with either group, and who directly benefit or aggravate from such an interaction. It is undeniable that such exchanges are conductive to the formation of extensive economic, social and familiar networks which motivate and facilitate the flow of Mexicans into American soil.

Digging deeper: The Nature and Origins of the bilateral Phenomenon.

To objectively understand the nature and origins of such a phenomenon we must keep in mind that the various peculiarities of the issue arise from a complex interaction of multiple elements rooted on each side of the border.

The element of labor supply in Mexico is strongly linked with the constant presence of crisis and economic restructuring. This has allowed for the abundance of an unemployed workforce to exist. Mexico is a land of limited opportunities and in this context one of the main premises of migration (be it legal or illegal) is that it constitutes one of the few paths to a better socioeconomic future for individuals and their families.

It is therefore greatly recognized that a catalyst for a great ratio of the migratory flow is derived from the factors of demand (attraction) generated in North America; such factors have been fundamental in the creation of a flexible and unstructured binational labor market, which is of special interest to certain sectors of the American economy.

Possible Solutions.

The results gathered by Massey regarding the recent measures of security implemented on the border between the US and its southern neighbor suggest that the building of the wall, the increase in perimeter and number of patrols, the innovative technological systems as well as the capture and departure of immigrants have had no real success in stopping the inflow of illegal immigrants. Perhaps this is because such actions have not been complemented with the necessary measures aimed at regulating or even deactivating the binational labor market which is so highly valued by the illegal immigrant.

Any possible solution must include joint measures and cooperation between both states. For Mexico, the idea of taking part in the land of opportunities and persecution of the “American Dream” can only be reduced if opportunities of its own are created. This can be done by transforming the structure of the current Mexican labor market. Such a transformation will only be possible through a sustained economic growth which should look, among other things, for direct foreign investment aimed at raising employment, wages and productivity. The United States, on the other hand, should strive to decrease its labor demand. Under the present circumstances it is painfully clear that this will not happen as long as America’s demand for unskilled labor –which Americans supposedly are not willing to cover- continues to find itself willing to give jobs to Mexican immigrants.

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