Making Decisions about Migration: The American Dream with a Mexican Accent

Authors

Chris Sutter, Brigham Young University
Lynn England, Brigham Young University

Keywords

making decisions, migration, American dream, Mexican accent

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

Abstract

Mexican immigration to the United States is a noteworthy phenomenon, not void of controversy. Accusations and tensions have risen on both sides of the line in past months. The issue is not an ephemeral one. There are currently more than 20 million Mexicans living in this country, according to the 2000 US census. Numerous studies have been done to understand migration. Studies that focus solely on economics, however, may fail to put a human face on Mexican immigration. Behind the dollars and cents are real people making real decisions about leaving their home and country to try their luck in the North. There are powerful motivations and perceptions that either fuel or discourage the trek northward. It is perhaps more important now than ever to understand this phenomenon.

Recommended Citation

Sutter, Chris and England, Lynn (2013) "Making Decisions about Migration: The American Dream with a Mexican Accent," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 588.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/588