Causes of Migration From Mexico to the USA

Question 1

American Dream

Answer 1

Pursuit of ‘The American Dream’ – the opportunity to better yourself and realise your dreams.

Question 2

Employment

Answer 2

Unemployment is high in Mexico, especially in rural areas due to increased farm mechanisation. Unemployment is lower in the USA.
Many jobs available for the unskilled Mexican migrants – jobs nobody else wants to do (eg. retail and labour intensive jobs)

Question 3

Exchange Rate

Answer 3

The exchange rate is favourable and therefore people can send a good amount of money back to benefit their families in Mexico.

Question 4

Existing Migrant Communities

Answer 4

Existing migrant communities in states such as Texas and California make it easier for Mexican people to adapt and integrate into the society.

Question 5

Education

Answer 5

There are significantly better academic opportunities in America than in Mexico, which can entice Mexicans to migrate for the future of their children.

Question 6

Water

Answer 6

Mexico is a very arid area which suffers from water shortages even in the more developed areas of Mexico.

Question 7

Natural Disasters

Answer 7

The country also suffers from natural disasters including volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes & tsunamis. Recent natural disasters could force people to migrate if their homes have been destroyed or made uninhabitable

Question 8

Crime

Answer 8

There are incredibly high crime rates in Mexico, especially in the capital. Mexicans will move out of fear for their lives and hope that America is a more stable place to live, with lower crime rates.

Question 9

Healthcare

Answer 9

Healthcare is considered to be superior in the USA by Mexican people. Mexico have 0.97 hospital beds per 1000 people compared to the USA at 2.4 beds per 1000 people. So people in the USA have a greater chance of being treated when ill.