Mexico and USA- international migration

Created by: F.Brash
Created on: 13-05-19 17:20

Background:

One of the largest migration streams in past 50 years-sends 500,000 people per year (half of net popn increase). Primarily a labour migration stream. 30% of legal and 50% of illegal immigrants in USA are Mexican.

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How did it begin

US govt. allowed 'guest workers' from Mexico, to help farms that had shortages in times of war. 1917-1921 and 1942-1964.

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Illegal immigrants

little before 1980s. Popn growth and economic crisis in 80s saw large increase. Led to creation of Immigration Reform Control Act- 1986. penalties to employers knowingly employing illegals. but legalised 2.6 million immigrants- 85% Mexican.

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2000 and beyond

8.4 million unauthorised foreigners. 2006- 12 million Mexican born people in USA (11% of living people born in Mexico)

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Where

Concentrated in Texas and California mostly, but also in Arizona and New Mexico.

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Opposition

US federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)- claimed immigrants caused US unemployment, environmental impacts and cultural threats. Seen as uncharitable and racist. Also Trump 2017- 'build a wall'

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Push factors:

Unemployment/underemployment, Low wages- Avg. annual income=$8,600, NMW=$1,500 annually. 47% under poverty line (10th highest), high crime/drugs- 48,000 drug related deaths in past 5 years (involuntary?), water shortages (even in developed areas).

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Pull factors:

Employment: Higher wages (Avg income=$48,000.)(NMW=$15,000). Better healthcare (1 doctor/population: Mexico=1800, USA=400), better services, less crime. Education (Read and write: Mexico-86%, USA-99%), family unification

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Positive impacts: Mexico

Remittances- $6bn per year, reduced unemployment pressure, less pressure on housing/public services, less pollution, returning migrants bring new values and better educated

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Negative impacts: Mexico

Population structure- working men leave mostly= high depenency ratio, women left alone (low fertility), less tax revenue. Loss of skilled workers 'brain drain'- deters FDI and economic growth. Tensions for Mexican govt. Food shortages.

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Positive impacts: USA

Creates diversity and cultural understanding, teaching of Spanish in schools, Mexicans work at lower wages= profits for firms, contribute to 4% of US GDP.

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Negative impacts: USA

Tension=segregation/racism/violence. Immigrants increase crime rates and don't learn english, smuggle drugs?, unemployment rises for US workers= poverty, Mexicans have lower productivity, remittances Environment-pollution and water/food shortages

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How did it begin

Back

US govt. allowed 'guest workers' from Mexico, to help farms that had shortages in times of war. 1917-1921 and 1942-1964.

Card 3

Front

Illegal immigrants

Back

Card 4

Front

2000 and beyond

Back

Card 5

Front

Where

Back

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Mexico and USA- international migration