User:Namadaza/sandbox

Migration Trends
Migration into the U.S from Mexico in the pre-NAFTA period can be described as cyclical. The U.S demand for Mexican labor precipitated by the U.S's war-effort in 1942 led to the adoption of the Bracero Program, with extensions lasting until 1964. Under this period, the U.S operated under a de jure permeable border with Mexico. In the years prior to the passing of NAFTA, the U.S increased militarization and policing of the border due in part to the passing of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Immigration to the U.S had been on a rise and despite new legislation initiating a shift to a de facto closed border, immigration rates continued to rise. NAFTA has generally increased permeability between Mexican and U.S markets for capitals, goods, and services, yet has not made any significant attempt to address the restriction on migration. U.S legislation on immigration is often criticized for being paradoxical to the goals of NAFTA as policies have leaned towards increased policing of borders.