International Migration Case Study: Mexico To USA

Question 1

Push factors of Mexico

Answer 1

Low GDP of $10,307
High crime rate-homicide rates at around 10-14 per 100,000
Low literacy rate-only 86% of population can read and write
High unemployment rate of 5.22%
Arid area which suffers from water shortages
Natural disasters: volcanoes, earthquakes hurricanes

Question 2

Pull factors of USA

Answer 2

High literacy rate-99% can read and write
GDP per capita of $53,143
Better education-most students in Mexico finish school at 14 against 16 in USA
More developed-8 out of 10 people own cars in USA against 2 out of 10 in Mexico

Question 3

Impacts on Mexico

Answer 3

High value of remittances-over $2 billion in 2011 which is the world’s biggest flow of remittances
Reduced unemployment pressure
Lower pressure on housing stock and public services
Loss of skilled, enterprising people
Emigration of young adults, especially males, affects population structure
Migrants return to Mexico with changed values and attitudes

Question 4

Impacts on USA

Answer 4

Border patrols and prisons for illegal migration is very expensive
Mexicans see as drain on US economy
Problems due to cultural/racial issues
Mexicans work for low wages

Question 5

General points

Answer 5

1 in 10 Mexican people live in USA today

It is the largest immigrant community in the world