Drawing Lines and Crossing Them: A Look at the Complexities of the US-Mexico Border

Drawing Lines and Crossing Them: A Look at the Complexities of the US-Mexico Border

American writer/reporter, Walter Lippmann, once said, “The great social adventure of America is no longer the conquest of the wilderness, but the absorption of fifty different peoples.” Over the course of its history, the United States has evolved into the country of all countries – in more ways than one. Not only is the US comprised of an array of people from varying locations worldwide, but it is also one of the most desirable destinations for immigrant transfer. The idea of American exceptionalism has resulted in the steady influx of immigrant masses over the course of history which in return has resulted not only in the country’s population growth, but in the country’s cultural expansion as well. Unfortunately, such expansion has been ill received by many American citizens. While some view the arrival of immigrants into the US as a positive addition to the “Nation of Nations”, there are those who argue that the foreigners are tainting the quality of the nation. The Mexican population, in particular, tends to be one of the most negatively portrayed communities in regard to US migration. Because of its proximity, as well as its reputation for being the “Land of Opportunity”, the United States has become the most common destination for Mexican immigrants, both legal and illegal. The legality of the newcomers, and there reception both of the people and by the people, are key points in the discussion of the immigration debate. Public divide over the issue has become a trivial matter for the federal government; a reformation of the immigration policy is being heavily petitioned. This document seeks to analyze the relationship between the United Stat...

... middle of paper ...

...ga, has said of these conditions, “We’ve grown accustomed to poverty. They say that since we were born poor, we are poor now, we remain poor, and we will die poor.” In an account drawn by Ronald Takaki, Marcelo Villegas observed, “The Mexican people, with industries dying are crushed, starved and driven out of their country.”

A fear for personal safety has also proven to be an influential push factor for Mexican migrants. Gang violence, drug and human trafficking, and frighteningly high homicide rates have all contributed to the Mexican desire to flee their country.

Escape from poverty and the evasion of crime in Mexico has pushed Mexicans to seek refuge in elsewhere. The United States has proven to be the unanimously desired target for immigrant relocation. It seems that Mexicans view the United States of America as the land of opportunity – the land of dreams.