The Impact of Mexico-U.S. Migration in the Family and the Community on Current Work and School Status of Mexican Youth

Gabriela Sanchez-Soto, Brown University

This paper analyzes the role of U.S. migration and remittances on school and work status of Mexican youth using the 10% sample of the 2000 Mexican Census. Human capital perspectives suggest migration has a positive impact on education due to increased household income; however, recent research suggests migration discourages education and creates an orientation towards U.S. labor markets. Preliminary results show the two processes may be at play. Remittances receipt reduces the odds that youth will be working instead of attending school. However, migration in the family is also associated with a higher likelihood of youth inactivity relative to school enrollment. Higher migration prevalence in the community is also related to a higher likelihood of working, combining school and work, and inactivity relative to school attendance. These effects are consistent with expectations of schooling discouragement in communities with higher migration prevalence.