Movement between Mexico and Canada: Analysis of a New Migration Stream

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Economics
• Demography

Background:

• Mexican migration is a significant demographic phenomenon with distinct patterns towards Canada and the United States.
• Understanding the drivers and outcomes of migration is crucial for policy and social science research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To contrast the processes and characteristics of Mexican migration to Canada versus the United States.
• To analyze the factors predicting migration and the subsequent labor market outcomes for migrants in both destination countries.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Mexican Migration Project.
• Employed statistical analysis to identify predictors of migration to Canada and the United States.
• Compared labor market outcomes, including wages and work schedules, between the two migrant groups.

Main Results:

• Migrants to Canada, entering via the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, are predominantly married males with dependents, with migration predicted by marital status and family size.
• The majority of migrants to the United States are undocumented, with migration primarily predicted by age, exhibiting a classic labor migration age curve.
• Canadian migrants reported superior labor market outcomes: higher wages, more regular work schedules, higher earnings, and shorter separations from families compared to undocumented U.S. migrants.

Conclusions:

• Migration pathways to Canada and the United States differ significantly in terms of migrant selection criteria and demographic profiles.
• The Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program facilitates a more structured and beneficial migration experience compared to undocumented migration to the U.S.
• Labor migration to Canada demonstrates a more circular pattern, while U.S. migration is less regular due to increased border control difficulties.