Effects of Global Interdependence on Migration,
Dorrit Marks
Most immigrants, legal and illegal, are from Mexico and Central America. Of the illegal, 80% are from these areas.
The major economic tie between immigrants and their countries of origin is the remittances sent to the latter. In 2006, for instance, Mexico received $24 billion in remittances from the US.
US economic policies sometimes unintentionally contribute to immigration. For instance subsidized crops in the US can be marketed at a low price that forces Mexican farmers out of business. NAFTA has caused Mexico to become an export dependent country. Foreign trade now accounts for 55% of Mexico’s gross income. This is up from 30% before NAFTA.
Foreign born professions make a highly positive contribution to the US economy and connect it to a global economy and international networks.
Overall:
Global integration of the labor market for skilled and unskilled workers is a continuing trend. Immigration policy should take this into account along with the impact of our other laws and policies such as NAFTA and farm subsidies.
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