Home Institution

Davidson College

Publication Date

Fall 2023

Program Name

Mexico: Migration, Borders, and Transnational Communities

Abstract

This research paper examines the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on agricultural workers in rural Mexico and immigration rates from those regions. The paper aims to investigate the validity of claims regarding the impact of NAFTA on immigration and agriculture, which are often interconnected. By focusing on the rural farming communities of Mexico, the study incorporates ethnographic perspectives to complement existing academic research on NAFTA. The research question explores how NAFTA affected agricultural workers in rural Mexico and its implications for immigration patterns. Through a comprehensive literature review and interviews with individuals involved in rural farming, the paper provides a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted effects of NAFTA. By analyzing the effects of NAFTA on agriculture and immigration, the study uncovers the experiences and perspectives of rural small-land farmers in Mexico, shedding light on the broader implications of the agreement. Analysis of NAFTA’s history and effects shows us the nuanced way in which all encompassing public policies can often create ripple effects which unfortunately hurt those who most need aid, like small rural farmers, and instead favor those with the most power and influence, like multinational corporations.

Disciplines

Agricultural Economics | Development Studies | International Economics | Latin American Studies | Migration Studies | Politics and Social Change

Download

Share

Article Location

 
COinS