Emerging Information Networks between Mexico and the United States

ABSTRACT

A new and growing body of theoretical research emphasizes the importance of networks in daily life. At their essence, networks transmit information between nodes in a system and send out signals to prospective participants. Within the context of the immigration debate in the United States, Mexican immigrants may be seen to be creating cross-border networks over which information flows. We present research on transitioning the analysis of immigrant flows between the United States and Mexico from the traditional corridor analysis to one in which networks of individuals and their relationships are important. We present a basic network map created using matrícula consular data in order to reveal the complex system created by this population’s movements. Our research demonstrates that the movement of Mexican migrants to and through the US involves more than simple point-to-point travels and shows how cities and states on both sides of the international boundary are tied together through this population. The key objective is to uncover any emerging patterns otherwise not apparent through traditional means.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 Jones and Romer explain that Kaldor’s work focused on neoclassical growth model as specified by Solow and Swan. They suggest that many of the key questions associated with this model have now been addressed; therefore, other concepts that remained outside the model such as ideas, institutions, population, and human capital have moved center stage.

2 See University of Arizona Press publication, Corridors of Migration: Mexico The Odyssey of Mexican Labor 1600–1933, Rodolfo Acuna, 2007.

3 Global immigrant rights group based in Geneva, Switzerland.

4 There are number of resources online and in print that explain the fundamentals of network analysis. This section benefits from the work of David Rodrigues and Jorge Louça, Complex Systems Studies Winter School at ISCTE – IUL. See also McCrane (2015).

5 Massey, Rugh and Pren state that some 377 cities, 163 counties, 1,203 law enforcement agencies and seven US states accept the carnet for identity purposes (131). Additionally, In the years immediately after September 11, the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation considered this a possibility. See the comments of Steven C. McCraw Assistant Director, Office of Intelligence, FBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation Before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims on Consular ID Cards, Washington DC, June 26, 2003, at www.fbi.gov/news/testimony/consular-id-cards-in-a-post-9-11-world.