Immigration Issues

Better Economy Could Slow Mexican Immigration

Sustained economic growth in Mexico could cause a major slowdown in Mexican immigration to the U.S. according to a study received by U.S. and Mexican immigration officials this week.

The newly released binational study, which is under review by officials, reports that:

  • If Mexico's economy continues to grow at 5 percent per year, it will absorb all newcomers to the job market by 2005.

  • Sustained growth will let Mexico catch up in job creation for unemployed and underemployed workers.

  • Nevertheless, both nations should continue to develop means to anticipate and defuse tensions brought on by large-scale Mexican immigration -- especially illegal immigration -- and the U.S. response to it.

U.S. officials are concerned that they are being overwhelmed by large numbers of undocumented Mexican nationals coming to the country illegally. For their part, Mexican officials complain that U.S. interdiction measures, such as the Operation Rio Grande, a river blockade in South Texas, are a slap in the face to Mexico.

Source: Associated Press, "Mexican Immigration May Slow, Study Says," Dallas Morning News, October 22, 1997.

Home | Support Us | All Issues | Social Security | Debate Central | Contact Us

Dallas Headquarters: 12770 Coit Rd., Suite 800 - Dallas, TX 75251-1339 - 972/386-6272 - Fax 972/386-0924
Washington Office: 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 900 South Building - Washington, DC 20004 - 202/220-3082 - Fax 202/220-3096
© 2001 NCPA