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Factors Affecting Immigration From Mexico to the USA (Push (Poverty…
Factors Affecting Immigration From Mexico to the USA
Push
Poverty
Around 46.3% of people in Mexico live below the poverty line and about 8.5 million Mexicans (7% of the population) live on less than $2 a day. GDP per capita - $8,902.
Crime
Mexico is home to some of the world's most dangerous and active drug cartels. Mexico's war on drugs has claimed the lives of 245,999 citizens from 2007 through to March of 2018. The year 2017 saw the highest homicide number with over 29,000 victims.
Health Problems
Mexico suffers from issues with malnutrition, anemia, overweight and obesity.The rates of malnutrition have dropped significantly but about 13% of children under the age of 5 suffer from malnutrition and one in four children is overweight or obese. Rates of malnutrition are highest in rural areas and obesity is highest in urban areas.
Land Degredations
A large proportion of the Mexican population are farmers, living in rural areas where extreme temperatures and poor quality land make it difficult to actually farm.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters including volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis. Recent natural disasters could force people to migrate if their homes have been destroyed or make uninhabitable.
Low Paid Jobs
61% of teh working population in Mexico have paying jobs. However, those that have jobs are expected to work longer hours to afford the cost of living. 30% of Mexico's workforce has to work 50 hours or more per week to survive. In 2016 Mexican households were averaging a mere $2,718 per year. In order to afford the bare minimum costs of living in Mexico, one would need to be making at least $3,194 a year. Minimum wage is $4 a day.
Poor Housing & Conditions
With 80% of the Mexican population living in urban zones, slums are growing fast. Urban violence and crime, stunted growth, malnutrition, poor elementary education, poor hygiene and inadequate sanitation and access to clean water are just some of the implications of life in urban slums.
Political Problems
Mexico has never fully adopted a capitalist and democratic mind-set therefore still lacks basic rights such as freedom of speech and gender equality.
Corruption
The government and the mafia have been at locker-heads for years and some people are placing their confidence in the mafia. The government 'steals' around $1bn a year.
Poor Education Prospects
86% literacy rate - however one million children cannot attend school because of poverty
Pull
Economy
The exchange rate meant that the dollar conversion into Mexican peso was favourable and meant that people could send money back to family members in Mexico.
Health
Life expectancy 80 yrs. The US government funds health plans: Medicare, Medicaid and Obamacare (2010). They are especially designed for elderly, disabled, poor, and young. However, many Americans have their healthcare paid for by their employer via insurance.
Welfare
The level of benefits as a % of income is much lower in Mexico and a much higher % of eligible households receive benefits from food assistance programs in the United States.
Education
Good education prospects - 99% literacy rate with an average of 16 years in education. This is a particular pull fro families with children- chance for a better life for children.
Job Opportunities
Many low skilled jobs available for low paid workers such as Mexicans e.g. pool cleaners, hospitality jobs, construction jobs such as plumbers. These pay more for the same job that would be done in Mexico. Well paid jobs - $47,060 average salary depending on age gender and level of education.
Culture
Spanish 13.4% - 2nd largest speaking language in the USA. Many Mexican communities have already been set up in places like Texas and California.
Lower Crime Rates
All crime rates have shown a decrease (property crimes, violent crimes included). Murder rate 98% less than in Mexico.
The America Dream
Many friends and family have left to achieve a better standard of living, why not them?
Government
Stable government democratically elected
Standard of Living
High standard of living 12.3% living below the poverty line with GDP $59,531