Why Mexicans Cannot Legally Enter the U.S. Despite Financial Capabilities

Many Americans and Mexican citizens alike wonder why people from Mexico come to the U.S. illegally instead of following the legal process, often attributing it to financial constraints. However, the reality is significantly more complex. This article delves into the myriad reasons why the legal immigration process can be challenging, and sometimes, seemingly insurmountable, especially for individuals with financial means.

Challenges of the Legal Immigration Process

There are multiple reasons Mexicans cannot or do not choose to enter the U.S. legally. Perhaps the most significant factor is the extensive and often insurmountable legal process that can take years, and in many cases, ends in rejection. The complexity and length of the process can be overwhelming, causing many individuals to opt for illegal methods.

Lengthy and Complicated Process

The legal process for immigration is notoriously long and cumbersome. It can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the specifics of the individual’s case. During this time, there is no guarantee of success. The outcome often depends on factors such as the subjective decisions of immigration judges, who may reject applications based on nationality or language barriers. Even after spending tens of thousands of dollars on immigration legal services, individuals can be denied entry. This can be a deeply frustrating and financially devastating experience.

Examples of Legal Immigration Rejection

To illustrate these challenges, two specific scenarios will be presented. The first involves the author's mother-in-law, who tried to attend her niece's wedding in Chicago. Despite being financially stable, with significant assets and a strong background, she was denied entry without any clear reason given. Her application was rejected despite her having no criminal record and being well-respected within her community.

The second case highlights the personal experience of the author. His fiancée, a Mexican national, needed to accompany him to the U.S. for a medical procedure. The process involved obtaining a passport and a visa, which required a substantial amount of money (60,000 USD). Despite all the proper documentation and preparations, they encountered numerous complications. The U.S. authorities refused to let her into the country, and they faced further scrutiny, including a follow-up by the FBI. This experience led to intense frustration and a deep sense of betrayal towards the U.S. immigration system.

Why Choose Illegality Over Legal Entry?

Given the complexity and unpredictability of the legal process, it is no surprise that many choose illegal methods to enter the U.S. Many have the financial means to pay smugglers, who can guide them through the dangerous and expensive journey to the U.S. However, the reward of employment in the U.S. often makes these risks worthwhile. For instance, many migrants follow crop work, which is managed through a specific legal process but is limited in terms of the number of workers it can accept.

Conclusion

The challenges of legal immigration highlighted in these stories underscore the systemic issues that make the process difficult and often frustrating. The issues extend beyond financial constraints and involve complications related to language barriers, biases in the legal system, and the unpredictable nature of immigration judges. These obstacles can be disheartening, leading many to seek alternative, albeit illegal, paths to achieve their goals.

Despite the harsh realities faced by individuals like the author's mother-in-law and wife, the need for reform in the U.S. immigration system is clear. Addressing these issues could help in creating a more fair and accessible system, ultimately benefiting both immigrants and the U.S. as a whole.