Legalization Hoops: An Examination of the Barriers to Legalization among Mexican Migrants

Nolan J. Malone, University of Pennsylvania

Data show that roughly 40 percent of all heads of household in the Mexican Migration Project database (MMP71) have migration experience, most often in an unauthorized status. Continued research on the transition of legal status reveals that the primary obstacle faced by those seeking Green Cards is eligibility. Eligibility is based on prevailing immigration policy and is most often determined by connections to potential sponsors. However, social ties, such as immediate family members with migration experience, help to circumvent the obstacle. Lack of access to legalization information and visa-granting authorities, however, has no significant effect on legalization outcomes. Although a negative finding, the failure of access as a measure of legal status attainment sheds considerable light on the universality of the total migration experience among Mexican nationals.