The militarization of the southern border of the United States does not only aim to “protect” the nation and prevent the entry of “terrorists,” it is also an act of racism, said Douglas S. Massey of the Office of Population Research Princeton University while speaking at the Center for Advanced Population Research and Study (CIEAP) of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEM).
When giving a presentation on “The Past and Future of Undocumented Migration in North America,” Massey said that the militarization of the United States’ southern border has had various consequences, like the “massacre” of undocumented migrants, which totals at about 5,000-6,000 to date. The seminar was organized by the Academic Body of Internal and International Migration at UAEM.
Addressing students, academics and researchers, Massey said that since 2005 there was a noticeable increase in restrictive actions towards migrants, and that these restrictions have been permanently strengthened thereafter.
He said the United States increases its budget to “protect its border,” and explained that as consequence the geography of migration is changing. While people traditionally crossed the border via cities like San Diego and El Paso, they now seek entry through states like Arizona.
He pointed out that in 1950, when Mexicans began to migrate to the United States, they traditionally established themselves in three main states. However, he said, they now have a presence in all 50 states that make up this country.
In addition, he said, there is a greater number of “coyotes” who charge migrants much more and subject them to increasingly dangerous geographical and climatic conditions. This, said Massey, is as a result of the increasing presence of the border patrol.
The seminar also offered a conference on “Migration, Globalization and Humanitarian Crisis,” given by Guadalajara University researcher Alejandro Canales Cerón and the “Methodologies and New Lines of Research on International Migration” workshop.
