Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations

This research rigorously examines the complex and diverse challenges related to
illegal immigration, with a specific emphasis on the movement of individuals from
Mexico to the United States. The study seeks to investigate three primary areas: the
internal peril to national security, the potential social and economic ramifications of
uncontrolled illegal immigration, and the cultural affinity of illegal immigrants to
their countries of origin. The research examines the effects of unlawful immigration
from Mexico on the United States by analyzing reliable secondary data from the
Census Bureau, NCJRS, and ICPSR.
The problem statement highlights the difficulty of monitoring and implementing
immigration limitations on the approximate 10,790,000 undocumented immigrants,
specifically differentiating between visa overstays and individuals who manage to
elude authorities. The report highlights the urgent requirement for evidence-based
policies and initiatives to successfully tackle the complex adverse impacts of illegal
migration on the US, Mexico, and the wider region.
The problem overview illuminates the existence of parallel realities within the illegal
immigration debate, wherein defenders minimize the difficulties while skeptics link
economic and security concerns to illegal immigration. The research focuses on the
frequently underestimated risk presented by non-Mexican individuals, referred to as
"Other Than Mexicans," who enter the United States via crossing the border with
Mexico. Push factors, pull factors, and social networks are recognized as variables
that contribute to the inclination to enter the United States unlawfully.
The objective of the research is to examine the indispensability and feasibility of
establishing secure borders between the United States and Mexico in order to
safeguard the welfare of citizens and debunk misconceptions around the perceived
danger of illegal immigration. This study seeks to address a significant deficiency in
the current body of research by conducting a thorough analysis of the influence of
border security on unauthorized migration. The findings of this study will provide
useful knowledge to guide policy decisions.The research inquiries centre around the increased vulnerability to terrorist attacks,
the influence of unlawful migration on American cultural dynamics, and the
economic ramifications of illegal migrants on the nation. This study provides
empirical evidence to the discourse on the efficiency of border security measures
while recognizing its limitations, such as reliance on other authors' data and potential
shortcomings of research techniques. The objective is to provide information for
developing policies that effectively deal with and reduce the problems of
unauthorized migration along the US-Mexico border.