Borders

Covering nearly 2,000 miles, the U.S.-Mexico border stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Some areas are protected with simple fences or signs, while other areas, such as the port of entry in San Diego, CA, are fortified with triple fencing and constantly monitored by U.S. Border Patrol officers.

From 2007 to 2010, the top four most violent states in Mexico were Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guerrero, and Baja California, which are Mexican states near or along the country’s northern border. These areas are subject to high levels of violence because they are located in major narcotic production areas and traffic corridors near the U.S.-Mexico border, which are controlled by Drug Trade Organizations. The control of specific territories or distribution routes by Drug Trade Organizations is known as “plazas.”

In January 1, 1994, Mexico signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a regional trade pact with the United States and Canada. NAFTA lowered trade tariffs between the three participatory countries, which has given foreign actors confidence to invest in Mexico. While the county has experienced economic growth, several sectors within the country are experiencing the opposite effect.

Confronting Borders

Border Shorties

LEGAL REFORM

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

ACCESO INDIGENA

GLOBALIZATION

Chile Summer Program