Obama Era: How Many Mexicans Illegally Migrated?
-
- 0
Introduction
During the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States faced a significant influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Mexico. This article aims to delve into the numbers of illegal immigrants from Mexico during Obama’s tenure, examining the factors that contributed to this trend and the policies implemented to address the issue.
Numbers of Illegal Immigrants
Under Obama’s presidency, the number of illegal immigrants from Mexico reached its peak. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the total number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States was estimated to be around 11.3 million in 2013. Out of this figure, a substantial portion was accounted for by Mexican nationals.
It is important to note that the numbers fluctuated over the years. For instance, in 2009, the estimated number of illegal immigrants from Mexico was around 7.2 million, which increased to 8.4 million in 2012. The peak was reached in 2013, with an estimated 9.1 million Mexican immigrants living in the United States without legal status.
Factors Contributing to the Influx
Several factors contributed to the increase in illegal immigration from Mexico during Obama’s presidency. One of the primary reasons was the economic downturn in Mexico, which led to a lack of job opportunities and high levels of poverty. Many Mexicans sought better economic prospects in the United States, driven by the promise of higher wages and a more stable job market.
Additionally, the implementation of the Secure Communities program by the Obama administration played a role in the increase in illegal immigration. This program aimed to identify and deport criminal aliens, but it inadvertently led to the detention and deportation of many non-criminal illegal immigrants, including Mexican nationals.
Moreover, the 2008-2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in Mexico also contributed to the influx of illegal immigrants. With the healthcare system overwhelmed, many Mexicans sought medical treatment in the United States, leading to an increase in illegal border crossings.
Obama’s Policies and Their Impact
Despite the significant number of illegal immigrants from Mexico, the Obama administration faced challenges in implementing comprehensive immigration reform. While the administration made efforts to address the issue, the policies implemented had mixed results.
One of the notable policies was the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provided temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to eligible undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. However, this program only applied to a fraction of the total illegal immigrant population, including those from Mexico.
Another policy was the expansion of the 287(g) program, which allowed local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws. While this program aimed to target criminal aliens, it also led to the detention and deportation of many non-criminal illegal immigrants, including Mexican nationals.
Conclusion
Under Obama’s presidency, the number of illegal immigrants from Mexico reached a peak, driven by economic factors, the Secure Communities program, and the H1N1 influenza pandemic. While the Obama administration implemented policies to address the issue, the results were mixed. The legacy of Obama’s immigration policies continues to shape the ongoing debate on immigration reform in the United States.
Introduction During the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States faced a significant influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Mexico. This article aims to delve into the numbers of illegal
Introduction During the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States faced a significant influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Mexico. This article aims to delve into the numbers of illegal