Abstract

REITZ, Jeffrey G.  and  HERNANDEZ JASSO, Melissa. Growth in High-Skilled Mexican Migration Northward: American and Canadian Destinations. Migr. Inter [online]. 2023, vol.14, rmiv1i12593.  Epub Aug 04, 2023. ISSN 2594-0279.  https://doi.org/10.33679/rmi.v1i1.2593.

As migration of university-educated Mexicans to both the United States and Canada has begun to increase, the greater opportunities Canada’s expanding points-based selection system offers for the highly skilled to become permanent residents highlights a question: which factors may induce high-skilled Mexicans to prefer Canadian destinations versus American? Using traditional migration theories to frame interviews with a volunteer sample of 40 young university-educated Mexicans, this study confirms that reasons of proximity, climate, and culture often favor American destinations, while reasons of social acceptance, social welfare, and personal security favor Canadian. Importantly, urban-specific preferences matter. Those factors favoring U.S. destinations in general lead many to prefer southern-tier U.S. cities traditional for less-skilled Mexican migration. Those considering northern U.S. cities often prefer a Canadian choice. Canadian competitiveness in the northern urban market suggests that increased awareness of Canadian immigration opportunities could significantly boost skilled Mexican migration to Canada.

Keywords : high-skilled migration; urban destinations; migration preferences; United States; Canad.

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