The Poverty of Mexican Immigrants Working in the United States

The last decade has seen a massive movement of Mexican immigrants to the United States. Migration is certainly a rational decision one that is made in order to improve development opportunities; however, poverty rates among Mexican immigrant workers are high compared to other immigrants groups. The book studies the multiple aspects related to their poverty condition. First, poverty is studied from a comparative perspective, using two alternative poverty lines to the official threshold established by the Census Bureau; it is concluded Mexican immigrant's contribution to poverty in the United States is overrepresented, and despite poverty the fiscal contribution turns out positive. Second, the estimation of an assimilation index among groups coming from 73 different countries reveals Mexican Immigrant workers are in the last position. Third, the factors that relate to their poverty condition are studied. The analysis provides valuable information for development academics, and practitioners, as well as policy makers interested in the study of poverty and migration.

Auteur

Sonia Monarrez, Ph.D. in Public Policy is currently associate professor of Economics at the University of Monterrey; she is also a Master in Public Administration and International Development from Harvard's Kennedy School. Her research experience includes industry studies, foreign direct investment, economic development, and migration.