Motivations to Migrate: Mexican Professional Middle Classes in the United States
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Keywords

qualified migration
brain drain
middle classes
motivations to migrate
Mexicans in the U.S.

How to Cite

Domínguez Villalobos, L., & Vázquez Maggio, M. L. (2018). Motivations to Migrate: Mexican Professional Middle Classes in the United States. Norteamérica, Revista Académica Del CISAN-UNAM, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.22201/cisan.24487228e.2019.1.364

Abstract

This article analyzes the motivations behind the migration of Mexican professionals (MPs) to the United States based on a survey to 813 MPs and places it within the frame of middle class behavior. We look into the factors behind the three most frequent motivations for MP migration: to seek a better job, gain international experience, or hoping for a better quality of life. The logistic models used here show that the neoclassical explanation consistent with the homo economicus is insufficient, since there are factors of a social and personal nature that should be taken into account. Thus, the search for a greater quality of life has as an essential component the desire to be near one’s family; and behind the motivation to acquire international experience there are a number of considerations such as limited job opportunities and a lack of an infrastructure for adequate laboral performance.
https://doi.org/10.22201/cisan.24487228e.2019.1.364
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Copyright (c) 2018 Lilia Domínguez Villalobos, Mónica Laura Laura Vázquez Maggio

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