illegal immigration--the real solution

Richard Posner points out the real solution to illegal immigration problems:

Once something is identified as a problem, Americans, not being fatalists, insist that there be a solution. But there is only one worthwhile solution to this particular problem, and it is one over which Americans have little control. The solution is for Mexico and the other poor countries from which illegal immigrants come to become rich. As soon as per capita income in a country reaches about a third of the American level, immigration from that country dries up. Emigration is very costly emotionally as well as financially, given language and other barriers to a smooth transition to a new country, and so is frequent only when there are enormous wealth disparities between one's homeland and a rich country like the United States. The more one worries about illegal immigrants, the more one should favor policies designed to bring about greater global income equality.

I find it ironic that so many people are both vehemently opposed to free trade agreements like NAFTA as well as being determined to eliminate illegal immigration. One of the best mechanisms we have for lifting up the Mexican economy is to integrate that economy more tightly with our own. Granted, free trade is no panacea, but it at least opens up opportunities for Mexico to grow her economy.

Or, let's just annex Mexico.