Illegal Immigration, Border Enforcemen, and Relative Wages: Evidence form Apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico Border

摘要

Immigraiton is once again a major political issue in the United States. What makes the curent debate distinct form past debates is a focus on illegal migants. There is a popular perception that immigation cannot be con- trolled unless the United States secures its bor- ders against illegal entry. This emphasis is increasingly apparent in policy. The Immigra- tion Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 raised sanctions on U.S. employers that hire illegal aliens, and since the late 1980's the U.S. government has doubled the personnel it as- signs to enforce the U.S.-Mexidco border.