This semester we have learned a great deal about the increased flows of capital, goods and labor throughout the world. With this assignment, we turn our attention closer to home to examine the phenomena of Mexico-United States cross-border migration. You are probably aware many industrial, agricultural and service sectors are supported by the "cheap" labor of migrants, both legal and undocumented, who have entered the United States from Mexico. In the past two years, President Bush suggested that undocumented laborers from Mexico would be eligible for citizenship in the near future. He and Vincente Fox, Mexico's president, have discussed the issue but there has been no concrete, policy recommendation by the Bush administration. And, with 9/11, it would look as if "security concerns" might override such a shift in policy. Through review of pages 147-148 in Diversity Amid Globalization and 2 Economist articles ["A Better Way" (Economist, November 2, 2002); and, "So, does America want them or not?" (Economist, July 17, 1997), you should gain a brief understanding of the history of Mexican immigration to the United States and current debate over American, immigration policies. PRIOR TO CLASS, YOU ARE TO READ THESE PAPERS. IN CLASS, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS IN SMALL GROUPS. NO GROUP ENJOYS A SLACKER, SO YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE NOTES TO AID IN ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS.

Links to articles:

"A Better Way"

"So, Does America Want Them Or Not?"

In-class discussion questions:

1. What is the history of Mexican immigration to the United States?
2. Why does hosting migrants make economic sense for the United States?
3. According to critics of migration advocates, how do migrants undermine Americans' economic welfare?
4. Is there a tradition of restricting migration to certain populations? If so, why?
5. What are the three guiding principles for immigration policy put forward in the "A Better Way" article? In your own words, what are these principles designed to do?
6. Why does the article advocate rich and poor countries forging immigration policy together?
7. What are the proposals regarding fees and Mexican immigration? What are their objectives and how would they benefit the migrant, as well as citizens in the United States?
8. According to the Economist, what is the benefit of more "open" immigration policies for the host country? How does this resemble arguments we have heard in favor of neo-liberal economic policies?
9. With your new understanding of migration, what is your opinion on whether we should encourage migration from Mexico or reinforce protection of our borders?