Illegal immigration and enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border; an overview

Illegal Mexico-U.S. migration has increased dramatically in recent decades. In this article, Pia Orrenius evaluates the causes of this migration and gives an overview of the enforcement and policy responses to date. Orrenius assesses the effectiveness of border enforcement by looking at developments in the smuggling industry, such a smuggler use rates and fees, as well as changes in border-crossing sites. The findings suggest early attempts at enforcement fueled an increase in the demand of and supply of smugglers, with no rise in prices. Only the most recent enforcement initiatives, most significantly Operations Hold-the-Line and Gatekeeper, have been successful in reversing the thirty-year decline in smugglers' fees and moving migrants to remote crossing points. Risks have risen along with smugglers' fees, as reflected in an increasing number of crossing-related deaths since 1995. Orrenius concludes that Mexican and U.S. policymakers should consider a bilateral labor and migration agreement.Labor supply ; Employment (Economic theory)

Noteworthy: Demographics, natural gas, electric power

The regional economic outlook is quite positive. Broad-based hiring in every sector from energy to construction to services reflects the confidence employers have that the region is poised for sustained expansionDemography ; Energy industries

Self-selection among undocumented immigrants from Mexico

This paper examines the effect of changes in migration determinants on the skill level of undocumented immigrants from Mexico. We focus on the effect of changes in economic conditions, migrant networks, and border enforcement on the educational attainment of Mexican-born men who cross the border illegally. Although previous research indicates that illegal aliens from Mexico tend to be unskilled relative to US natives and that economic conditions, networks and border enforcement affect the size of illegal immigrant flows across the border, the interaction of these variables has not been investigated. Results from hazard models using data from the Mexical Migration Project indicate that improvements in US and Mexican economic conditions are associated with relatively less-skilled undocumented immigrants. Stricter border enforcement is associated with higher skill levels. Access to a network of previous immigrants appears to lower the cost of migrating but has no differential effect by skill level.Emigration and immigration

Manning the gates: migration policy in the Great Recession

During the downturn, advanced economies as well as developing countries adopted policies ranging from keeping new migrants out to encouraging resident migrants to leave.Emigration and immigration ; Immigrants ; Global financial crisis ; Recessions

Spotlight: unemployment trends: less-educated workers hit hard in housing bust

The U.S. housing market's troubles have spread to financial markets, and news reports have focused on broad indicators of Wall Street's distress, such as stock market indexes and interbank lending rates. However, the pinch on Main Street has been impacting low-wage workers for more than two years.Education - Economic aspects ; Unemployment ; Labor market

North Texas income dip may reflect decline in education

Inflation (Finance) ; Households - Economic aspects ; Income ; Education ; Statistics ; Social security ; Interest ; Public welfare ; Self-employed ; Dividends

TN Visas : a stepping stone toward a NAFTA labor market

North American Free Trade Agreement

Spotlight: Texas employment : gains aren’t simply a low-wage jobs story

Amid reports of the nation’s weak economic recovery, high unemployment and slow job growth, attention has turned to Texas, the only large state on track to surpass its prerecession peak employment by year-end. Since the U.S. recession concluded in 2009, Texas employment has grown 3.3 percent, compared with 0.6 percent for the rest of the states.[1] Texas added 827,000 jobs, an 8.7 percent increase, between 2001 and 2010 and expanded in every category except manufacturing, information and construction. The nation lost 2.8 million jobs during that period, a 2.3 percent decline.Job creation

Texas economy shakes off rough ride in 2009

While conditions remain weak, it appears that the Texas economy is on a steadier course after a rough ride last year. Recent economic data and anecdotal evidence suggest the worst of the state's economic woes may be over. Activity is growing in several sectors. The state maintains its traditional advantages--relatively low living costs, modest taxes, a central location and an attractive business climate. Barring further setbacks, the Texas economy should pick up steam in 2010 and beyond.Economic conditions - Texas ; Global financial crisis ; Recessions ; Economic indicators