Mexicans make up the largest foreign population in the United States, with 9.8 million currently living in the U.S., accounting for 30% of all immigrants. Mexicans began immigrating in large numbers during the 19th century to work on new cattle ranches and for the railroad industry, where 60% of railroad workers were Mexican immigrants by the 20th century. However, the creation of the Border Patrol in 1924 made illegal immigration much more difficult and created prejudice towards both immigrants and Mexican-Americans.

1. ExMex, A Numbers GameExMex, By Jorge Castaneda

2. Mexicans make up the largest foreign population in the United StatesMexicans mainly started immigrating to the U.S. when in the mid to late 19th century farmers created many new cattle ranches that needed people to work on them.The railroads created even more opportunity for immigrants. By the 20th century 60% of all railroad workers were Mexican immigrants.Statistics

3. 1924, Border Patrol is created, making immigration exceedingly difficult and with major legal consequences. Less immigrants return home after getting into the U.S.Through Border Patrol and negative news, prejudice towards immigrants is born, even towards Mexican-American legal citizens.Statistics

4. 9.8 Million Mexican immigrants currently live in the U.S.30% of the total number of immigrants in the U.S. are MexicanStatistics

5. Ex Mex: From Migrant to ImmigrantsJorge G. CastanedaContent