Table of Contents

1. The Mexican state's interests: a multi-level analysis; 2. The consolidation of the Mexican state and the 'safety valve' of emigration (1848-1942); 3. From the Bracero agreements to 'delinkage' (1942-82); 4. From a 'policy of having no policy' to 'a nation beyond Mexico's borders' (1982-2000); 5. Redefining Mexico's emigration policies (2000-6); 6. Institutionalizing state-diaspora relations (2000-6).

Promotional Information

This book examines the Mexican government's assessment of the possibilities and consequences of implementing certain emigration policies from 1848 to 2010.

About the Author

Dr Alexandra Delano is Assistant Professor of Global Studies at The New School in New York City. Her research focuses on Mexican migration, Latinos in the United States and the historical development of Mexico's diaspora engagement policies. She received her doctorate in International Relations from Oxford University and has been a Postdoctoral Fellow in Politics at the New School for Social Research and a Fellow at Yale University. Her articles have appeared in the International Migration Review, The Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, International Migration, Social Research, Foro Internacional, Americas Quarterly and Migracion y Desarrollo.

Reviews

'In this fascinating history of migration from Mexico to the United States, Alexandra Delano shows the view from Mexico City looking north. Mexican diplomats have attempted to manage Mexico's connections with its emigrants within the context of a highly complex relationship with their giant US neighbor. This book is required reading for anyone interested in the diplomacy of international migration and the continuing saga of the ties binding these two countries.' David Fitzgerald, author of A Nation of Emigrants: How Mexico Manages Its Migration
'This masterful review of Mexico's policies towards its nationals emigrating to the United States sheds new light on one of the most important issues in the Mexico-US bilateral relationship - ways the two countries can cooperate to manage immigration. The sweep of the book is impressive, examining Mexican emigration policies from 1848 to the present. This is a very welcome addition to the literature on diaspora politics as well as immigration reform.' Susan Martin, Donald G. Herzberg Associate Professor of International Migration, Georgetown University
'The irrationality of a labor system based on illegality and high levels of risk for the Mexican workers desperately needed by US employers is blatant. Yet the political leaders on both sides of the militarized border seem incapable of finding rational and humane solutions. In this scholarly and engaged book, Alexandra Delano analyzes the twists and turns in more than 150 years of US-Mexican relationships, and shows how the current situation has come about. It is essential reading for all who make policies, work with migrants, and study migration.' Stephen Castles, Research Chair in Sociology, University of Sydney
'In this book, Delano makes some extremely important interventions that enlighten our understanding of Mexican immigration to the United States and the policy of both Mexico and the United States toward this migrant population.' Alyshia Galvez, Lehman College, City University of New York