Mexican Immigration

Factors Behind Immigration• POVERTY in Mexico – People look for a better way of life,

high population causes high rates of poverty

• POOR EDUCATION system – people came to US to provide better opportunities for their children

• DRUG WARS – Since 2006 23,000 have lost lives to the drug conflicts

• POOR GOVERNMENT – Mexico’s government fights an uphill battle to improve the country and battle corruption…leaders have been ineffective at stopping corruption

• ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY – There are more jobs with better pay in the US

Poverty in Mexico

• In Mexico City, with a population of 105 million, it is estimated that 40% live in poverty.

• People flee Mexico in search of a better life.

Poor Education

• Since 2000, several initiatives were put in place to improve schools.

• Schools have since increased both enrollment and literacy rates.

• The poverty level causes obstacles for educational improvement.

• Mexicans can attend safer schools for longer.

Mexico’ Drug Production

• Cultivation of opium poppy and they produce 18 metric tons of pure heroin, or 50 metric tons of "black tar" heroin- Largest foreign supplier of Heroin to the US.

• Marijuana cultivation produces15,800 metric tons-Largest Foreign supplier of Marijuana.

• Mexico also transplants large amounts Methamphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy

Beginning of the Crack Down

• Starting in 2006, President Felipe Calderon announced the Mexican Authorities would be cracking down on drug trafficking.

• Since 2006, 23,000 have lost their lives in violent conflicts, some in broad daylight.

• Fatalities are mounting up on both sides of the conflict.

Impact of the Drug War

• The Drug Wars pit Mexican Military and Government agencies against powerful drug cartels like La Familia.

• Violent conflicts take place in broad daylight and public centers putting innocent lives at risk.

• The nation’s lucrative tourist industry has been greatly impacted by this conflict.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSA8dHsoHmI (12:25 60min. Video)

Poor Government

• The Government has been improving since the first party change in 61 years happened in 2000.

• They still battle corruption and mismanagement on all levels.

• There are reports of torture and kidnappings carried out by government agencies.

• Even though Mexicans can vote and have a voice in their political system, Mexicans flee for more rights and freedoms found in USA.

Newest Mexican President 2012

• Mr. Peña Nieto has sent mixed messages about the drug-related violence that threatens Mexico and border areas in the United States

• Mr. Peña Nieto has a chance to restore his party’s reputation and do a lot of good for Mexico if he can deliver on his promises to make needed reforms, increase accountability, and end the bloodshed

US Crackdown

• Estimates of over 500,000 immigrants enter the US from Mexico.

• These figures represent both legal and illegal immigrants.

• The US has focused millions of dollars and huge amounts of manpower to bolster the fight against illegal immigration.

• Then there is Arizona…

So why do immigrants from Mexico come to USA?

• Better education

• Better health care

• Better job opportunities

• Better life for their children

• ANYTHING ELSE??

What is the impact

• Why is the number of immigrants important to US citizens?

• What could be the long term impact of increased immigration?

• Does it cost more for an illegal immigrant versus a legal immigrant?

The Debate Question

What should be done involving the

Immigration issue?