Migration: documented on the web
Recent events have placed migration in Mexico's political spotlight. High-level discussions between political leaders throughout North America underscore the great changes taking place. The Web provides a unique niche for news and discussions about policy development, migratory patterns and alternatives-from all sides of the political spectrum. Here, then, are a select few of the most useful online resources.
International Migration
www.migracioninternacional.com
Email: Admin@migracioninternacional.com
/5 Stars
Included in Business Mexico's review of best Mexican websites in 1998, the bilingual International Migration website offers information from diverse perspectives. Its foci includes documented and undocumented migration and places special emphasis on Mexico-U. S. migration. Features include Spanish-language news and - thankfully - a search engine accessible from the home page.
The site is the labor-of-love of webmaster Daniel Hernández, who, in his position with the Foreign Relations Secretariat (he's Mexico's consul in Laredo, Texas) has amassed one of the must-read gems of the Internet. For those interested in policy issues and migration, this site and its accompanying forum in Yahoo Groups-( groups.yahoo.com/group/migracion_regional) - deserve bookmarks.
Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM)
www.inami.gob.mx/
Email: ofnacomisionado@inami.gob.mx
/5 Stars
This institute, affiliated to the Interior Secretariat, provides a wealth of information about migrating to Mexico. The site has a great deal of content and much potential, but it is hampered by being so slow. The site includes news, statistics and a phone directory. Those in the process of migrating to Mexico should check out the Programa de Regularización ( www.inami.gob.mx/paginas/regularizacion/regula_archivos/frame.htm).
Immigration History Museum
utminers.utep.edu/panihm/default.htm
/5 Stars
Today, about 14 million people in the United States trace their roots to Mexico, and one of the immigration hubs has been Ciudad Juárez/El Paso. This virtual museum is dedicated "to commemorate and celebrate the experience and significance of Mexican Immigration to the United States." Based at the University of Texas at El Paso, the website might later become part of a physical museum - pending the approval of a US$500,000 annual budget.
The website provides links to Community Events (unfortunately, this section is not kept up-to-date) as well as a visionary gallery featuring the work of photographer Manuel Carrillo ( utminers.utep.edu/panihm/gallery.htm). There is also a link to the university's Institute for Oral History ( utminers.utep.edu/panihm/oralhist.htm), which sounds fascinating for anyone interested in borderland history. This site deserves a repeat visit.
Center for Immigration Studies
www.cis.org/
Email: center@cis.org
/5 Stars
The U.S.-based Center for Immigration Studies is a research organization devoted to research and policy analysis of the economic, social, demographic, fiscal and other impacts of immigration. The thrust is a "pro-immigrant, low-immigration vision, which seeks fewer immigrants but a warmer welcome for those admitted." The site boasts a vast collection of news articles and reference guides.
American Immigration Lawyers Association
www.aila.org/
Email: membership@aila.org
/5 Stars
Founded in 1946, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a U.S.-based bar association of over 7,500 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. Member attorneys represent thousands of U.S. businesses and industries, foreign students, entertainers and asylum seekers, often on a pro-bono basis.
Other Sites:
- Escape Artists
www.escapeartist.com/
Overseas living is the focal point of this site, which combines original features and an impressive collection of country-specific links. - Secretaría de Gobernación (SEGOB)
www.gobernacion.gob.mx/
Mexico's Interior Secretariat - Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)
www.fairus.org/
Conservative U.S. think tank, which has called for stricter control over immigration. - Work Permit.com
www.workpermit.com/
This UK-based organization has more than 10 years of experience dealing with immigration, work visas and naturalization services. It charges individuals for its services.
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