The Other Side of Immigration

10 Questions

What is the primary focus of the documentary film 'The Other Side of Immigration'?

Examining the negative outcomes for Mexico due to current policies

What was the impact of NAFTA on rural farmers in Mexico?

It resulted in considerable damage to their livelihoods

What drove many local Mexican farmers to migrate to the US?

The scarcity of opportunities in Mexico and government corruption

What was the outcome of the implementation of free trade in Mexico?

It resulted in considerable damage to rural farmers

What was the result of the inability of rural farmers to compete with cheaper imports?

Their crop cultivation became unprofitable

Why did rural Mexican farmers opt to migrate to the US?

Due to the scarcity of opportunities in Mexico and government corruption

What can be inferred about the relationship between the US and Mexico?

The proximity of the US makes it a preferred destination for migrants

What is the primary reason why uneducated and illiterate individuals in Mexico would resort to illegal border crossings?

To support their families

What is the primary benefit of investing in Mexico, according to the documentary?

Generating employment prospects and deterring illegal immigration

What is the primary reason why the United States is dealing with increasing costs?

The increasing number of immigrants

Study Notes

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.