Mexico has struggled with how to respond to increased migration from Central America since the 1980s. In the early 1990s, Mexico made it easier for some migrants to enter but stricter for others and cracked down on illegal immigration. More recently, violent attacks on migrants pushed immigration reform up Mexico's agenda. In 2011, Mexico passed a new immigration law that aims to respect migrant rights, facilitate legal migration, meet labor needs, and promote integration, though critics note it does not address corruption issues.

1. Summary of “Caught between Two Migration Realities, Mexico Passes New Immigration Legislation” http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=871

2. Since the 1980’s many Central Americans have migrated through and to Mexico to escape civil war and humanitarian crises and in pursuit of economic opportunities in the United States. Contradictory Responses from Mexican Government … During early 1990’s: Easier access to business and investor visas & provisions allowing Guatemalans to enter and work in southern border region. Stricter access to visas for Central Americans seeking to move beyond southern border region. Created a centralized immigration agency to detain and deport unauthorized migrants. None of these measures reduced illegal immigration; nor did they protect Central American migrants from extortion by the government and organized crime. Criticism from the U.S.: Don’t throw stones from glass houses!

3. In 2010 & 2011 there were terrible, violent attacks on Central American migrants by organized crime groups in Mexico. This moved immigration to the top of Mexico’s agenda. April 2011 a new Migration law passed in Mexico: Respects human rights of migrants Facilitates structured, organized movement of people Meets Mexico’s labor needs Guarantees equal rights to Mexicans and foreigners living in Mexico Promotes socio-cultural integration Facilitated return and reintegration of Mexicans No regulations have been drafted yet; so there is no way of telling what the impact of this law will be. Critics point out that it does nothing to prevent corruption within INM, which has been a repeated source of problems.