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Mexican Migration Plummets

Would-be migrants wary of paying smugglers' fees as jobs dry up

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 15, 2009 1:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – The number of Mexicans heading to the US has plunged as the American job market continues to tank, the New York Times reports. Census data from the Mexican government shows that emigration—with the vast majority to America—was down 25% in the year ending August 2008, and there has been a sharp decrease in the number of arrests along the border.

Mexicans are "not forgoing migration forever,” said the head of one research center. “They are hoping that the economy in the United States will improve."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

A woman and child cross the border from the US into Mexican territory in Ciudad Juarez. Legal and illegal immigration to the US from Mexico is down a quarter. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)

Men watch through the US-Mexico border fence in Tijuana, Mexico. (AP Photo/Guillermo Arias)

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If jobs are available, people come. If jobs are not available, people don’t come.
- Jeffrey S. Passel, senior demographer at the Pew Hispanic Center

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

Jeebus

May 15, 2009 9:36 AM CDT

Wow, Bush really did fix immigration, all he had to do was kill the economy.

kokuaguy

May 15, 2009 7:30 AM CDT

Hmmm ... I'm trying to follow your "logic" here. It's difficult when you lurch from talking point to talking point with so little to tie them together. As for the "invasion"-- we actually provoked a very unnecessary war with them (at least that's how one A. Lincoln saw it) and then annexed a huge piece of their territory. Then in the 20th century we engaged in mass and often illegal deportations. So... I guess that's enough of a reply -- for Newser purposes anyway. As for Pelosi, she called for a Truth Commission today. Will Twit Bond have the cojones to do the same?

ABO_2012

May 15, 2009 7:09 AM CDT

If any country other than the "politically correct" United States was invaded by 10 per cent of the population of a neighboring country, it would react appropriately; get rid of them. Get ready for the 2010 elections when all the dumbolib candidates will be stuttering like Pelosi was today; attempting to construct a version of the truth which would be palatable to the electorate. It will be too late.

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Mexican Migration Plummets