Unauthorized immigration has been a major political issue at least for the past 30 years, and is one of the most difficult to resolve. The problem relates to both economic and business realities of the U.S. and Mexico. There may be anywhere between 4 to 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. For undocumented immigrants from Mexico, population experts have discovered that there is a constant flow of both immigrants into the US and leaving the US . This is the primary reason why the exact number remains unknown.
Mexicans make up the single largest group of undocumented workers. Many cross illegally into the United States each year looking for work. Experts suggest that many of these workers acquire low-paying jobs that do not last long. Many return back to Mexico after six months either due to a lack of work or by deportation.
The reason so many Mexicans migrate illegally into the US is because of conditions in Mexico. Mexico’s population is increasing rapidly with a projection of 135 million by the year 20251. Mexico’s agricultural output does not meet the needs of a rising population. The majority of families can not grow enough to feed their own families. Mexico maintains a close to 25% unemployment rate. Those who do work, work for very low wages, and some families survive on money that undocumented immigrants send home from the United States.
U.S. immigration law allows for 150,000 to 200,000 Mexicans to legally immigrate each year. However, there is a long waiting list with a preference for skilled workers and professionals and those Mexicans who have close relatives of a legal U.S. resident. These conditions make it difficult for poor unskilled Mexicans to enter the United States legally.
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