Download LWV Immigration Study Brief #1: Global Interdependence

LWV Immigration Study Brief #1: Global Interdependence and Migration
Globalization is stimulating migration.
Migration is impacted by:
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Expanding international trade, finance, investment and information.
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Economic insecurity and migration pressures outside the U.S.
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Increased demand for labor in the U.S.
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Immigration reunification laws in U.S.
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American economic policies.
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Job creation differentials between nations.
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Birth rate differentials between nations.
Today, the country supplying the U.S. with the most immigrants (legal and illegal) is Mexico.
Monies sent by immigrants in the U.S. to families back home:
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At record levels.
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The major source of income for millions.
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Often exceed the total foreign aid from all sources.
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Have a positive impact on the economic development and welfare.
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Are used mainly to cover basic necessities.
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Improve access to education and health care.
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Help banks finance imports from the U.S.
Examples of How U.S. Economic Policies Impact Immigration
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U.S. agricultural policies
Farm subsidies allow U.S. farmers to sell corn at prices below cost.
Corn is the staple of the Mexican diet.
Lower cost U.S. corn displaced Mexican corn creating rural poverty and
migration.
Today U.S. interest in corn-based ethanol increases corn and export prices hurting the
average Mexican consumer but benefiting Mexican corn farmers.
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Employment Issues – the ease of employment-linked permanent residency is a factor that
can facilitate or deter immigration.
U.S. has major shortages in several professions (e.g., nursing, sciences). Globalization and
economic development mean that the U.S. now competes with nations throughout the
world for these workers.
Solutions:
The main example cited is narrow the income gap between Mexico, the U.S. and
Canada by increasing Mexico’s economic growth rate and thereby job creation.