Illegal Immigration from Mexico
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 For
many generations Mexicans have illegally crossed the border
into the United States. Reasons for the high rate of migration from Mexico
include the close proximity of Mexico to the U.S. and the noticeable difference
in the quality of life between the two countries. Many individuals come from
poverty-stricken towns in Mexico and desire to come to the United States to
achieve the "American dream." For many, just gaining employment at a low wage
job in the United States provides a much higher standard of living than in their
home country. During the 1980s, the United States saw a significant increase in illegal immigrants from Mexico.
The immigration influx was not limited to Mexicans from one specific region but rather from
communities all throughout Mexico. Those from bigger cities such as Guadalajara,
Monterrey, and Mexico City do not necessarily have a higher quality of life than
those Mexicans residing in rural communities. However, individuals from larger
cities do tend to have a greater
access to opportunities. Many who live in smaller towns tend to be employed in
the agriculture sector or try to set
up a small business in order to make a living. The average Mexican wage is about
$4.15 an hour and those in the agricultural industry make even less. While an
individual may be able to survive on that wage alone, it becomes more difficult
for those with families. Currently about 40% of the Mexican population is below
the poverty line. Unemployment is about 4% but it is estimated that nearly 25%
of those working are classified as underemployed.
Even when jobs are created, in many instances they are not sufficient to meet
the growing demand of the Mexican people. Their pay may be so low that they
cannot afford to cover even the most basic necessities. Thus, many Mexicans from
both small and big cities find the neighboring United States to be extremely
attractive. Treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
have brought more American companies into the country. However, the jobs that
have been created are not enough and many wages are still relatively low. Many
dream of going to what is known as the “the North” to make more money. However,
illegal immigration to the United States is becoming increasingly difficult due
to advanced technology, infrastructure, and enforcement. Some illegal immigrants
illicit the assistance of a "coyote,” or smuggler, to help them navigate through
the land and cross the border. Once they
reach a certain destination on American soil, a vehicle is used to transport
them to another location. It is here that family and/or friends will pick them
up and pay the “coyote’s fee.” Sometimes the fee is paid beforehand and other
times a deposit is given and the rest is paid upon completion of their services.
“Coyotes” generally have insider knowledge about crossing the border, and know
the best routes to avoid detection. However, in order to help to deter
"coyotes," serious fines and penalties if someone is caught smuggling illegal
immigrants into the United States. For immigrants who are intercepted en route
to the United States, they are usually returned to Mexican soil.
Increasingly, illegal immigrants and “coyotes” have
tried to cross the border through the Arizona desert. This is due to increased
security along the Mexico-U.S. border near California. Especially during the summer
months, there tend to be more cases of illegal immigrants who try to cross the
Arizona desert and die from dehydration. Throughout the U.S. - Mexican border,
more check points with U.S. border patrols have been added on the American side
of the border. At these checkpoints, individuals may be asked for documentation
in order to verify U.S. residency or
citizenship. As stated previously, there are
an increasing number of security measures that have been implemented at
and around the Mexico-U.S. border. As a result, it has
become more difficult to illegally cross the border. As such, the assistance of
"coyotes" is in high demand. The fees for a “coyote”
easily runs into the thousands per individual. Many illegal immigrants save up
money or borrow money to cover this fee. Once a
Mexican immigrant successfully crosses the border into the United States, they
generally
have two main goals. Their first aim is to send part of their earnings back home to their
family and their second goal is to bring more family members to the United States. Eventually they
hope to gain permanent residency (green card) and possibly
U.S. citizenship status. Other illegal immigrants
come with a different purpose. They emigrate to the United States with the sole
intention of finding a job that will allow them to save enough
money to buy a house or set up their own business upon their return to Mexico.
Whatever the specific intentions of the Mexican immigrant are, many agree that
their main desire is to come to the United States in search of a better life.
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