Immigration and Economic Integration Case Studies: United States - Mexico - and

摘要

This thesis examines the relationship between economic integration andimmigration within the framework of complex interdependency and their impact on interstate relations. The hypothesis is that rising racial and ethnic tensions will result in a demand for increasingly restrictive immigration policies, which in turn can have an adverse effect on the economic integration process. The thesis compares two case studies: (1) the United States and Mexico within the context of NAFTA, and (2) Venezuela and Colombia within the context of the G-3 accord. In both case studies, concern over the economy and ability to absorb immigrant groups within the receiving countries (the United States and Venezuela) has created a demand for more restrictive immigration policies and tighter enforcement. Domestic considerations have traditionally prevailed in the unilateral formulation of immigration policy. However, with increased integration, immigration has begun to acquire increasing foreign policy implications. The persistence in following a unilateral immigration approach inconsistent with the economic integration process could strain interstate relations and hinder further integration. Although NAFTA and the G-3 accord have been in effect for less than one year, current events suggest that the incompatibility in policies, especially in the case of the United States and Mexico, has begun to affect bilateral relations. The thesis therefore recommends a bilateral approach to immigration policy, which will be more conducive to the process of economic integration.