Mexican Migration to the United States: A Focus on Missouri

Migration from Mexico has been essential to the economy of the United States (U. S.), and prior to the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, Mexican migration was largely seasonal. With increasing border controls and the heightened dangers in entering the U. S. illegally, Mexican migrants are making their move more permanent. This qualitative pilot project explores critical junctures at which Mexican migrants made the decision to establish residence in one city in Missouri. Implications of their responses are explored.