Illegal Immigration from Mexico
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 Due
to the close proximity of Mexico to the U.S. and the noticeable difference in
quality of life, it is no wonder why for many generations Mexicans have
illegally crossed the border. They come to achieve the American dream. Some are
satisfied by just achieving a small slice of the American dream because even
this is usually better than what they could achieve at home. A significant
increase of illegal immigrants from Mexico started occurring during the 1980s.
This 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 may not necessarily have an improved lifestyle over
those in smaller cities or towns. However, they tend to have greater access to
opportunities. Many who live in smaller towns tend to turn to agriculture or set
up small businesses 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 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 they refer to “the North” to make more money. Before and
during the 1980s it was easier to illegally cross the border.
Illegal immigrants
would cross the river and navigate through land with the guidance of a “coyote”
or smuggler. If during their efforts to cross the border they get intercepted by
U.S. border patrols, then they are returned to Mexican soil. The sole purpose of
the “coyote” is to get them to the opposite side of the
border in exchange for a
fee. Once they reach a certain destination on American soil, some 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. There are times when the fee is paid in full after
the service has been provided. These individuals known as “coyotes” usually know
the tricks to cross the border. For many “coyotes” this can bring in significant
revenues. In the past the “coyotes” and the individuals they were guiding did
not have to resort to hiding from the border patrol agents as often as they do
to today. Back then they were fewer border patrol agents and technology such as
that which can detect human movement was limited.
Today some illegal immigrants and their “coyotes” have instead resorted to
trying to cross the border through the Arizona desert. This is due to increased
security along the Mexico-U.S. border near
California. Especially in the summer
months there tend to be more cases of illegal immigrants who try to cross the
Arizona desert and die from dehydration. More check points with U.S. border
patrols have been added on the American side of the border. Here they may pull a
car to the side and ask for documentation verifying U.S. residency or
citizenship. There are numerous security measures that have been implemented at
and around the Mexico-U.S. border throughout the years. As a result, it has
become more difficult to illegally cross the border. The fees for a “coyote”
easily run into the thousands per individual. Many
illegal immigrants save up
money and/or borrow money to cover this fee. They are willing to risk their
lives in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Once a
family member usually the breadwinner is able to get across the border, they
have two main goals. They are to send part of their earnings back home to their
family and to bring more family members to the United States. Eventually they
hope to gain permanent residency (Green Card) and possibly
U.S. citizenship. However, there
are some illegal immigrants with a different purpose. They come solely with the
intention to cross the border to find a job that will allow them to save enough
to buy a house or to set up their own business upon their return to Mexico.
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