History of Mexican Immigration to the United States: the Price of Failed American Immigration Policy

Abstract

This presentation looks at Mexican Immigration starting with the post-WWII Bracero Programs and the immigration issues that lead to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 during the Reagan Administration. The United States failed to create a fair and effective immigration policy while Mexico failed to protect the rights of their citizens. Through the review of the Bracero Programs, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, public response to Mexican Immigrants, and the United States Government agencies response to critics of immigration policy, this presentation analyzes the evolution of Mexican Immigration. This shows how often immigration policy was ignored or only temporary fixes were created, and the blame often fell on the immigrants instead of the inefficacy of both governments.