Migration Defined
As a Natural phenomenon like the wind then human migration may be considerable "natural" and inevitable, hence, governments cannot construct policies regulated migration.
As a social phenonmen then migration is caused by human forces/factors. Inquiry into
bilateral forces must take place. Terms: push and pull factors, emigrants vs. immigrants
Case study: The Mexican connection
2000bc to 1521ad: Chichimeca era
Southwest topography push natives south, central Mexico's attractive environment pull natives into the Valley of Mexico.
1521ad to 1850:Spanish exploration
Spanish colonial policy push Spaniards north while romantic legends and precious medals in southwest pull Spaniards unto the southwest
1870s to 1910: "El Porfiriato"
Mexico stabelized through oppressive Diaz policies, hence pushing Mexican north. United States industrialization pull Mexicans unto the soutwest.
1910 to 1917: Mexican Revolution
Madero's challenge to Diaz regime and subsequent assasination sparkd 1910 Revolution. Instabality pushes Mexican north while the US prepared for World War I.
1920s to 30s: Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression
Economic prosperity during the "Roaring Twenties" continues to draw Mexicans to the United States. The military violence during the Cristero movement prompt Mexicans to leave. Subsequent economic depression in the United States sees reversal in migration. Mexicans are repatriated and Cardena's policies encourage land distrigution.
1940s to early 1960s: World War II prompts first bilateral immgration program between the US and Mexico. The Bracero program exists between 1941 and 1962. Mexicans are pushed out of central Mexico to work in the US agricultural sector of the southwest. Mexico "institutionalizes" the 1910 Revolution resulting in a slow down in land distribution.
Closure: bilateral history, co-dependeny, and no true bilateral policy. The Bracero program was supercially considered bilateral.
Immigration as "Restrictive and Limiting"
The Colonial and Constitutional experience: restriction based on religion, class, comportment, health. Residency limits political participation in government.
Contract Labor Law 1864: all contracts go to Europe
Exclusionary laws restrict Chinese & Japanese immigrants
The Immigration Act of 1917 restricts the "free flow" of ideas to America
The Emergency Immigration Act of 1921 limts immigration to 500,000 with no more than 5% from any one nationality. The 1910 census will be used to determine base.
The National Origins Act of 1924 lowers numbers to 300,000, 3%, and percent is based on 1890 census. Reveal conscious effort to favor norhern european immigrants.
1966 Immigration Act makes policy more equitable
Half-Century of failed policy
Guest Workers, Militarize Border, National Identification Cards, Employer Sanctions
Real Challenge: The American Diversity Revolution
Some fear the darkening of America, hence, progressive past policies are being repealed and substituted with reactionary policies: Affirmative Action, Term limits, English only innitiatives, Health programs rescinded, etc