“Neoliberal Globalization NAFTA and Migration Mexico’s Loss of Food and Labor Sovereignty”

The authors examine how labor sovereignty—the capacity of a population to earn a living wage—is impacted by self-sufficiency in food production. Mexico has the lowest level of self-sufficiency among the three NAFTA members—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—which significantly affects the nation's high migration rates. Mexicans are reliant on imported basic necessities that were formerly grown by now-bankrupt peasant farmers. Due to the layoffs, citizens have been compelled to move as low-skilled employees to Canada and the US. The article also highlights the issue of human and labor rights for migrants, which have been specified as building a union that allows free labor mobility across NAFTA member states or assisting Mexico to reshape its economy. While the former option increases viability for the United States to use Mexican labor force without violating their human and labor rights, the latter will help in rebuilding the countryside, eventually improving the country’s self-sufficiency in food production. Another alternative focuses on supporting sustainable economic development in Mexico. This would diminish the need for citizens to migrate because they would be in a position to earn a livable income, further economically strengthening their families and communities.

Another issue that the authors discuss in the article is about promoting the formation of a North American Economic Union to allow the free flow of labor in the same way that capital and commodities move across boundaries. If creating such a union is accompanied by human and labor rights, then the migrant workers are protected from the owners of capital, who have cited as the primary abusers of these rights.

Identify the key arguments or thesis of the reading, summarize it very briefly and provide a short evaluation of its strengths and limitations. In this section, please discuss whether the author has successfully made their points.

The authors’ key arguments relate to the relationship between food self-sufficiency and labor independence, with the thesis being that food self-sufficiency is a condition for a country to enjoy labor sovereignty. In brief, this means that when a country can efficiently feed its population, then those citizens can earn a living that can successfully sustain their livelihood. This thesis rightly presents the situation in Mexico, clearly highlighting the lack of sufficient food that has been the major factor behind the intense migration. Another strength of the thesis is its specificity, making it easy to understand the position of the authors. The thesis also allows the reader to have an inkling of the issues being discussed by the authors, albeit without giving away too much information. This is critical because it rouses the interest of the audience to continue reading the article for more information. Also, the solid nature of the thesis statement has provided the authors an opportunity to coherently present their ideas.

The article articulately brings out the intended message of the authors. The essay has introduced the issues at hand after which it has seamlessly transitioned into the causes and recommendations, making it easy to read and understand. The information provided is ample and to the point.

Relation of article to “Remittances are beautiful? Gender Implications of the new global remittances trend” and “Preparing for a warmer world: towards a global governance system to protect climate refugees.”

The authors’ perspectives relate to those of “Preparing for a warmer world: towards a global governance system to protect climate refugees” in that they both discuss issues related to the migration of people from their original home countries for various reasons. While the first article focuses on migration for economic reasons, the second article’s migrations are due to the adverse effects of climatic change. Both articles go into a deep discussion of the human and legal rights of the migrants, both concluding that governance mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that protection and conducive environment for the migrants.

“Remittances are beautiful? Gender Implications of the new global remittances trend” is related to the original article in that both are based on migration for economic reasons. Both articles use migrants from rural Mexico as their key topic, with the second article concentrating on remittances sent back home to families. While Otero discusses the reasons behind the migration and the rights of these workers as they work abroad, Kunz’s focus is on the remittances and the gender-related issues regarding policies.

Perspective on author’s position

I agree with the author’s position in the article regarding the issue of Mexican migrant workers. They had rightly pinpointed the problems in Mexico that date back to the times when the country was self-sufficient in food production. The situation then changed, plunging the citizens into economic dwarfism and lack of sufficient food. With economically endowed neighbors, the citizens then decided to seek employment there. This pushes the author to make recommendations to establish better working conditions for the migrant workers or to mend the situation in Mexico to reduce or eliminate the desire to work in foreign countries. These are good solutions which I agree with since they contribute to the welfare of the Mexicans.

General questions and possible answers for an open-ended discussion

What is your opinion regarding migrant workers in other countries?

Migrant workers, whether skilled (expatriates) or unskilled must be accorded the care and the protection in line with human and labor rights. Despite the fact that they may not enjoy equal rights with indigenous citizens, they should enjoy basic human rights provided by the government of the land.

Which is the most prevalent reason that makes people move from their home countries to others?

Economic reasons are the key determinants for migration from home countries to others. Political asylum, search for better education opportunities, and adventure are often cited as reasons for migration, though they have all been overshadowed by the need for better economic opportunities.

How should international communities regulate governments to ensure the protection of the rights of immigrants in their countries?

By putting in place standard international laws and regulations, which must be periodically appraised and regulated to ensure that they are followed. Authorities should adopt the “mystery shopper” approach in measuring the adherence of state members.