Paperback - £45.00

Publication date:

23 October 2008

Length of book:

240 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

238x165mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780739125762

The need to understand the migration between the United States and Mexico is greater today than at any time in its century long history. Its volume and complexity are greater than most observers might have imagined even a decade ago; and it operates in a context charged with serious human, political, and security challenges. Yet, there is often confusion over the most fundamental questions about the demography, economics, and political nature of the movement and its policy responses. The editors of this book bring together a team of top policy-oriented migration experts from Mexico and the United States to provide an up-to-date analysis leading to grounded policy recommendations for both governments. Their conclusions derive from new analyses as well as from detailed discussions with policy-makers.

Contributors assess the main characteristics, trends, and factors influencing Mexico-U.S. migration and recommend actions that should improve migration management, substantially reduce undocumented flows, and refocus Mexican migration into legal channels. Also contained within this book are recommendations of development strategies in Mexico that should reduce mid- to long-term emigration pressures. The book shows that collaboration between the U.S. and Mexico is not only possible, but necessary, as unilateral reforms will continue to fail until both governments act together to regulate the flow, improve conditions for the migrants, and make sure that migration has positive social and economic impacts on both countries.
Agustín Escobar Latapí and Susan F. Martin have performed an exceptional public service to both Mexico and the United States. The scholars they have gathered offer valuable suggestions for policy reforms in both countries that build on the reality of a unified labor market that neither government has dealt with effectively. Taken as a whole, the analyses and the recommendations are very useful and sober additions to the highly emotional and intellectually weak current discussion of the issues in both countries.