Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Mexican Immigration: The Mexican‐American Perspective^*

Abstract

Survey research posits that Mexican Americans' perceptions of the costs and benefits of immigration drive their opinions about immigration, but this research does not provide a clear picture of how Mexican Americans calculate these costs and benefits. This article aims to understand the processes that explain how Mexican Americans calculate the costs and benefits of Mexican immigration. Copyright (c) 2007 by the Southwestern Social Science Association.

Warmth of the Welcome: Attitudes Toward Immigrants and Immigration Policy in the United States

“…Generally, the most important predictors of attitudes toward immigration policy among Latinos are assimilation and proximity to other native-born Latinos, but national origin groups differ very little in their immigration preferences (Hood, Morris and Shirkey 1997; Knoll 2012). Jiménez's (2007) interviews with Mexican-Americans reveal a more nuanced perspective than that found in survey data. Mexican-Americans are concerned that Mexican immigrants, particularly unauthorized immigrants, produce harmful stereotypes of Mexican-Americans generally, but they also feel empowered by the political and economic influence of the growing Mexican-American population.…”

How “undocumented workers” and “illegal aliens” affect prejudice toward Mexican immigrants

“…People's opinions toward Mexican immigrants may not only result in meaningful behaviors toward immigrants (Lee & Ottati, 2002;Lee, Ottati, & Hussain, 2001), but there is also a notion that these opinions carry over toward non-immigrant Mexican-Americans, who become conflated into the Mexican immigrant out-group (Jime´nez, 2007). Among Mexican immigrants there are those who are considered legal and illegal, or documented and undocumented.…”

Family Psychology of Immigrant Mexican and Mexican American Families

“…Immigrant families have a wide range of migration experiences, varied acculturation level, generational history, and legal status (Falicov, 2005;Jimenez, 2007;Ramakrishnan, 2004;Wainer, 2006). The migration process significantly impacts how the elements of culture, context, and circumstances play out in the acculturation experience.…”

“…Latina/o immigrants who cross the border into the United States without documentation frequently experience trauma and violence (e.g., being robbed or physically and sexually assaulted) during this process (Falicov, 1998;Jimenez, 2007;Moran-Taylor & Menjivar, 2005;Richards, 2004). Specific reports regarding the undocumented migration experience and border crossings are minimal, likely due to difficulties between selfdisclosure and undocumented status.…”

“…The political climate of immigration is highly charged and filled with conflicted feelings, even among U.S.-born Latina/os (Jimenez, 2007;Lee, Ottati, & Hussain, 2001;National Council of La Raza, 2007). Attitudes of fear, distrust, and protecting one's own home territory and community can also likely be experienced among mental health professionals, inclusive of those who are Latina/o.…”