The Other Side of Immigration

The Documentary "The Other Side of Immigration"

• The documentary film by Roy Germano explores the reasons behind the illegal migration of Mexicans across the US border.
• It analyzes the underlying factors driving this extensive movement and examines how current policies affect Mexico's economy.

The Impact of NAFTA on Mexico

• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) had a detrimental impact on Mexico's agricultural-based rural areas.
• Free trade resulted in considerable damage to rural farmers who were unable to match the cheaper imported goods from the US.
• Crop cultivation became unprofitable, compelling farmers to search for alternative employment opportunities.

Corruption in the Mexican Government

• Corruption within the Mexican government favored specific individuals through subsidies.
• This limited opportunities for local farmers and led to migration.

Factors Driving Migration

• The primary factors driving this widespread migration included the scarcity of opportunities in Mexico and corruption within its government.
• The lack of opportunities and corruption led to a rise in legal and illegal immigration to the United States.

The Impact of Migration on the US

• The US experienced a notable rise in legal and illegal immigration, resulting in increasing costs for the nation.
• The increasing number of immigrants required more extensive monitoring to stop undocumented workers from entering the country.

A Solution to Illegal Immigration

• Instead of building a costly fence, investing in Mexico could provide a lasting solution to illegal immigration.
• Investing in Mexico could generate employment prospects and provide individuals with incentives to remain in their home country.

Challenges in Implementing a Solution

• Despite Mexico's developmental opportunities and geological natural resources, the peso devaluation discourages investment.
• The depreciation of the peso poses a significant obstacle for prospective investors.