Alienation
Political Economy of Unauthorized Latino Immigrant Labor in California

An investigation of the demographic, labour market and welfare effects of unauthorized Mexican immigration to California since the 1980s. Economist Enrico Marcelli examines whether the restrictive illegal immigration policy sentiment of the 1990s is backed by reliable empirical evidence.

Given the successful historical solicitation and dismissal of Mexican migrant workers by US firms, that US immigration policy has partially determined what portion of a migration flow will be unauthorized, and in light of the study's empirical findings, Marcelli challenges readers to consider for themselves whether recent claims that illegal Mexican immigration is threatening the US economy are based on credible evidence or unsubstantiated speculation.