Mexico is the gateway to the United States for many illegal immigrants. For many Central American immigrants, Mexico is their first stop. Some have reached Mexico via jumping on freight trains and then riding for hundreds of miles. Numerous lives have been lost attempting to jump aboard trains and many injuries have also occurred. In 2005 nearly 250,000 immigrants were deported by Mexican authorities. One contributing factor is that the country’s borders with Guatemala and Belize are not heavily guarded. Even with deportation, many illegal immigrants detained by Mexican officials are not discouraged. A large majority eventually reach the United States. Immigrants usually flee their homeland due to the lack of opportunities and/or violence. The Department of Homeland Security has seen a significant increase in the number of applications filed for asylum. Some are escaping the violence of infamous gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha and the Mexican mafia who continue to instill fear. International gangs have especially become problematic in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Critics of the U.S. government strongly believe that instead of spending millions on improved border security measures, this money would be better spent assisting economic development in foreign countries. Improving the overall state of these countries and creating opportunities could discourage some from leaving their homeland.