A Boomtown Built On Illegal Immigration
In the Mexican city of Altar, just 60 miles from the U.S. border, a booming economy has built itself around catering to those looking to make the treacherous walk through the desert to cross into the U.S.
"Illegal immigration to the United States via the Sonoran Desert is big business in the town of Altar in northern Mexico, the last major settlement before the U.S. border, 60 miles away."
"Around half a million people pass through Altar every year before the dangerous walk northward."
"With few activities other than helping migrants, Altar offers services from money transfers and doctors to people smuggling and prostitution."
"Pharmacies specialize in electrolyte solutions to avoid dehydration on the walk north, as well as caffeine and ephedrine stimulants to increase stamina and overcome fatigue."
"Gallon water bottles are on sale at almost every corner and a Mexican bank has opened a branch in Altar to service migrants who receive money from U.S. relatives for their trip."
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Nobody cares
Like the emperor's new clothes, the border security is invisible and it doesn't take a kid to point that out. The mantra is "They pretend to be here legally and we pretend to pay them a respectable wage."
When the U.S. economy finally goes south, the Mexicans won't. If you thought the debate over "amnesty" was ugly, wait until Americans lose their jobs and need somebody to blame. Mexico uses the border as safety valve for Mexican who can't survive on a handful of pesos. Americans don't a history of leaving the country even in difficult times, so expect a clash of cultures.