The historic consolidation of irregular migration in the United States: Restrictive, ineffective, and demagogic migration laws and policies

Abstract

This article analyzes the consolidation of irregular migration in the United States in history. First, the author reviews the immigration control laws and policies since its regulation began. Secondly, she analyzes their role in the consolidation of irregular immigration, concluding that they fail to produce the desired results because they have contributed to an increase in irregular migration, the exact opposite of their objectives of control and reduction. She also puts forward the idea that a certain amount of irregular immigration could decrease if the laws' defects and irrationalities were addressed.