U.S.-Mexico Relations: A Future of Conflict or Cooperation?

Abstract

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer for a non-profit organization in California called CHIRLA (Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles). My involvement with this organization has opened my eyes to the reality of the current immigration problem between the United States and Mexico. So much disparity is evident along the border. On one side stands the United States- a hegemonic country that encompasses a stable economy, well-built infrastructures, and political clout. On the southern side of the border stands Mexico- a country that has suffered from the lack of development and years of economic crisis. How can two countries, separated by only a border, be so different in their political, social, and economical features? This question has ignited my interest in researching the relations between Mexico and the United States, as their close geographical relationship has significant implications on their economic, political, and social settings. Recent concerns about U.S.-Mexico relations have escalated, as the issue of illegal immigration has made its way to the priority list of both Mexican and American political leaders. Never before has the concern to end drug trafficking and to decrease the number of illegal immigrants seemed to have been so publicly scrutinized. The international community has also been giving more attention to violation of human rights in developing countries, specifically in the labor sector. Relations between the United States and its close neighbor, Mexico, will continue to exist and deeply impact both countries and their populations. Policy choices and economic decisions will be affected, as well as people's lives--creating a sensitive environment that may be vulnerable to conflict. However, it is undeniable that the United States needs Mexico as much as Mexico needs the United States. U.S.-Mexico relations will only continue to be affected by illegal immigration, human rights violations, and drug trafficking. The time is now to strengthen our relations with our neighbor in order to build a unified force against the dangers lurking on both sides of the border. The U.S.-Mexico border covers 2,000 miles, encompassing four American and six Mexican states. Over the years, the relationship between the two countries has become one of strong interdependence. My thesis will explore the deep connections between the economies and societies of the United States and Mexico. Regardless of the disagreements and challenges they encountered, the U.S. and Mexico indeed share a history. This history connects both nations, inevitably making one dependent on the other. The United States heavily relies on other countries for resources, especially from its neighboring country. However, the dependence of Mexico on the United States is much higher. The United States, being a world power, undoubtedly has an economic advantage over Mexico, a country that continues to suffer from domestic political and economic problems. My thesis will introduce the current political, social, and economical state of Mexico and how it is being affected by its relationship with the United States. My. argument is that even though Mexico continues to demonstrate cooperation at the border, problems with income inequality, illegal immigration, illegal drugs, and human rights violations will still remain a crucial setback in the relationship between United States and Mexico.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2007

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Sadri, Houman A.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Degree Program

Political Science

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022129

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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