Migration from Mexico to the USA Why are Mexicans leaving their country? PUSH FACTORS Why are they attracted to the USA? PULL FACTORS What effects does this migration have on USA? What effects does the migration have on Mexico?

In pairs…discuss When you hear about migration from Mexico to USA what three things (anything acceptable) comes immediately into your mind?

Interesting Mexico –USA migration facts! Mexicans make up 29.5 % of all foreigners in the USA. The Philippines and India follow with about four percent each. (Source: March 2005 Supplement, CPS) Mexican immigrants account for about 20% of the legal immigrants living in the USA. Brain drain is occurring out of Mexico. e.g. An estimated 14,000 of the 19,000 Mexicans with doctorates live in the USA (International Organization for Migration)

Some visas are given for seasonal work Other border crossing cards are given to people living in Mexico who travel across the border for work An estimated 6.2 million (or 56 percent) of all unauthorized migrants are from Mexico +visa overstayers +border crossing card violators +border invaders

There is a 2000km border

Mexican emigrants are mainly moving away from rural locations. Why?

Push factors – negative aspects of life in Mexico Pull factors – positive aspects of life in USA

Well paid jobs – GDP per capita $46,860 (7 in world) Adult literacy rates 99% - good education prospects Poor medical facilities - 1800 per doctor Adult literacy rates 55% - poor education prospects Life expectancy 72 yrs 40% Unemployed Excellent medical facilities - 400 per doctor Life expectancy 76 yrs Low paid jobs – GDP per capita $14,406 (60 in world)

Many jobs available for low paid workers such as Mexicans Poor farming conditions Shortage of food Better housing Family links Unhappy life – poor standard of living National average poverty level of 37% Bright lights

Push Factors – Reasons people leave Mexico (2010) Poor medical facilities - 1800 per doctor Low paid jobs - GDP per capita $14,406 Adult literacy rates 55% - poor education prospects Life expectancy 72 yrs 40% Unemployed Unhappy life – poor standard of living Shortage of food Poor farming conditions National average poverty level of 37 percent

Pull Factors – Reasons Mexicans are attracted to the USA (2010) Excellent medical facilities - 400 per doctor Well paid jobs - GDP per capita $46,860 Adult literacy rates 99% - good education prospects Life expectancy 76 yrs Many jobs available for low paid workers such as Mexicans Better housing Family links Bright lights

The US Border Patrol guard the border and try to prevent illegal immigrants. On average 850,000 are caught a year and are then deported (1995)

What are the impacts on the USA? Illegal migration costs the USA millions of dollars for border patrols and prisons Mexicans are seen as a drain on the USA economy Migrant workers keep wages low which affects Americans They cause problems in cities due cultural and racial issues Mexican migrants benefit the US economy by working for low wages Mexican culture has enriched the US border states with food, language and music The incidents of TB has been increasing greatly due to the increased migration

What are the impacts on Mexico? The Mexican countryside has a shortage of economically active people Many men emigrate leaving a majority of women Women may have trouble finding marriage partners Young people tend to migrate leaving the old and the very young Legal and illegal immigrants together send some $6 billion a year back to Mexico Certain villages such as Santa Ines have lost 2/3 of its inhabitants

ODD ONE OUT? BRIGHT LIGHTS POOR FARMING ILLITERACY