The War on Drugs in Mexico:
Contributions to Violence and Immigration
The United States and Mexico have collaborated in an attempt to lower the rising crime related to illegal narcotics. In chapter four of Global Issues, Local Arguments: Readings for Writings, “Crossing Borders: Immigration,” by June Johnson analyzes the economic, social, and cultural problems with different types of immigration. Laura Carlsen wrote “Why Mexico’s Drug War is Unwinnable,” to argue the war on drugs can be reduced through alternatives strategies than a defense system subsequently causing corruption and brutal conflict. “Violence and Migration: Evidence from Mexico’s Drug War” written by Sukanya Basu and Sarah Pearlman evaluates the impact of the drug war and a…show more content… Brutality can impact the economic well-being of an individual, by affecting a household’s capital and financial investment decisions. Combining these factors along with unequal opportunities and increase of border enforcement and laws, citizens are less compelled to move nationally or internationally even when surrounded by violence and insecurity. Basu and Pearlman argue the costs of moving may potentially outweigh the benefits. They assert drug violence is seen to negatively impact school attendance and grades of youth in Mexico. This creates an uneducated generation that is more susceptible to engage in prohibited activities.The funding for defense in Mexico have continued to flow despite growing evidence of serious corruption among politicians and military resulting in human rights violations. Carlsen contests the arrests of drug kingpins and lesser figures have set off violent turf wars ending in homicides, with no apparent effect on unlawful flows. The most severe areas of brutality are not exclusively along the U.S. border, and several are along the Pacific and Gulf Coasts. This highlights the intensity of the war on drugs is not wholly determined by proximity of America. This battle creates anxiety over people in Central…show more content… June Johnson identifies that governmental strategies to restrain immigration physically along the 1,951 mile U.S.-Mexican border is a national security issue, complicated by violent drug trafficking, has entailed millions of dollars. Sukanya Basu and Sarah Pearlman examine the quantitative statistics upon the relationship of violence and immigration caused by Mexico’s drug war and found homicides have increased while migration has decreased. Additionally, Laura Carlsen points out valid alternative strategies that could potentially decline power of cartels. She expresses the need to follow money used in organized crime such as money laundering, increase funding for drug abuse prevention and treatment, end prohibition starting with marijuana, also giving communities a role besides “victim.” Taking the correct action towards diminishing this adversaries power will conserve money to spend productively, save lives of thousands, and create less crime within governments and its
