Journal of Economic Literature
ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)
Illegal Migration from Mexico to the United States
Journal of Economic Literature
vol. 44,
no. 4, December 2006
(pp. 869–924)
Abstract
In this paper, I selectively review recent literature on illegal migration from Mexico to the United States. I begin by discussing methods for estimating stocks and flows of illegal migrants. While there is uncertainty about the size of the unauthorized population, new data sources make it possible to examine the composition of legal and illegal populations and the time-series covariates of illegal labor flows. I then consider the supply of and demand for illegal migrants. Wage differentials between the United States and Mexico are hardly a new phenomenon, yet illegal migration from Mexico did not reach high levels until recently. An increase in the relative size of Mexicos working-age population, greater volatility in U.S.Mexico relative wages, and changes in U.S. immigration policies are all candidate explanations for increasing labor flows from Mexico. Finally, I consider policies that regulate the cross-border flow of illegal migrants. While U.S. laws mandate that authorities prevent illegal entry and punish firms that hire unauthorized immigrants, these laws are imperfectly enforced. Lax enforcement may reflect political pressure by employers and other interests that favor open borders.Citation
Hanson, Gordon, H. 2006. "Illegal Migration from Mexico to the United States." Journal of Economic Literature, 44 (4): 869–924. DOI: 10.1257/jel.44.4.869JEL Classification
- J11 Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
- J22 Time Allocation and Labor Supply
- J23 Labor Demand
- J31 Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
- J61 Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
- K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
- O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration