Illegal immigration from Mexico hits net zero

Census data from Mexico shows that illegal immigration into and out of the U.S. has reached net zero.

The data shows that between 2005 and 2010, 1 million undocumented immigrants returned to Mexico, three times more than the previous five years. This is the first time Mexican immigration has hit “net zero” in fifty years.

The trend began in 2008 when the American economy collapsed. Anti-immigration laws passed in numerous states along with tougher border control and increased border violence.

In Mexico, life is improving so many people don’t feel the need to cross the border illegally or hire immigration attorneys to help them get legal documents. Rural areas have running water, lower birth rates, and a rise in per capita income.  High school enrollment has increased from 54 percent in 1997 to 90 percent in 2010.

Although anti-immigrant groups may see this as a positive trend, net zero immigration creates concerns for Mexico and the United States.

The loss of migrant workers may create labor shortages on farms as harvest time approaches. While Mexico must deal with the loss of billions of dollars in income sent to the country from undocumented immigrants working in the states.

Though immigration has reached net zero there are still 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country who won’t be legally recognized unless they hire an immigration lawyer to help through the naturalization process. Anti-immigration sentiment has made it tougher on illegal immigrants, but if these individuals seek out the advice of an immigration attorney to see what they need to do to get legal documentation.