Analyze what is happening to the population of Villa Juarez, Mexico

 

Overview: Why is the town of Villa Juarez, Mexico, nearly deserted? Analyze reasons why people are leaving Villa Juarez, and why money spent there comes directly from former residents working in the United States. Direct students to research the Mexican government, history, culture and economy by conducting further research, and identify the pros and cons of amnesty for illegal Mexican immigrants.

Curriculum Connections: International Relations, Sociology

After students read the CNNfyi.com story, "Mexican towns benefit from U.S. connections, "ask the following questions:

1. Why is the town of Villa Juarez, Mexico, nearly deserted? Why do only the very young and the very old remain there? Where has everyone else gone? Why do many adults from Villa Juarez head for the United States?

2. What kinds of jobs exist in Villa Juarez? How many people work at the garment factory? What do they earn? What kind of business does Sofia Izaguirre own? Does this shop enable her to support her family? Where does her family get the money it needs to survive? What "price" does her family pay for this income? Why does it appear that her daughters will follow in their father's footsteps?

3. Although many of the town's workers go to the U.S. for jobs, where do they spend most of their money? Why have Marisol Luna and her family returned to Mexico? What is a Quinsenera? How much has Marisol's father spent on this celebration? How did he earn this money? Where does he work?

4. What percentage of the money spent in Villa Juarez comes directly from former residents working in the U.S.? How does this infusion of cash help the economies of towns like Villa Juarez? Why do many of these workers return to Mexico to live? What do you think of the lifestyles of these families? Could you leave your family and friends for the chance to improve their lives via economic opportunities in another country? Explain. What do these families sacrifice in the name of economic opportunity?

5. What do your students know about their neighbor to the South? Direct students, working in groups, to research the government, history, culture and economy of Mexico. Have each group offer a presentation of its findings, in the form of either a written report, a multimedia presentation, or a Web site.

6. By some estimates, there are more than three million illegal Mexican immigrants in the U.S. Calling these workers "critically important to the American economy," Texas Senator Phil Gramm has proposed a program that would turn undocumented workers from Mexico into legal "guest workers." President George W. Bush has discussed a similar plan with his Mexican counterpart, Vicente Fox. Opponents argue that any amnesty arrangement would reward illegal behavior and encourage more of the same. What do your students think of this idea? Have them research the pros and cons of amnesty for illegal Mexican immigrants, and share their findings. Then direct each student to prepare and videotape a 2-3 minute television editorial outlining his/her position on the issue.