Deciding to Cross: The Norms and Economics of Unauthorized Migration

78 American Sociological Review 574 (2013)

35 Pages Posted: 23 Nov 2015

Date Written: August 31, 2013

Abstract

Why are there so many unauthorized migrants in the United States? Using unique survey data collected in Mexico through the Mexican Migration Project, I develop and test a new decisionmaking model of unauthorized labor migration. The new model considers the economic motivations of prospective migrants, as well as their beliefs, attitudes, and social norms regarding U.S. immigration law and legal authorities. My findings show that perceptions of certainty of apprehension and severity of punishment are not significant determinants of the intent to migrate illegally; however, perceptions of availability of Mexican jobs and the dangers of border crossing are significant determinants of these intentions. In addition, individuals’ general legal attitudes, morality about violating U.S. immigration law, views about the legitimacy of U.S. authority, and norms about border crossing are significant determinants of the intent to migrate illegally. Perceptions of procedural justice are significantly related to beliefs in the legitimacy of U.S. authority, suggesting that, all else being equal, procedural fairness may produce greater deference to U.S. immigration law. Together, the results show that the decision to migrate illegally cannot be fully understood without considering an individual’s underlying values and norms.

Keywords: immigration enforcement, law, norms, deterrence, legitimacy, procedural fairness, legal attitudes

Suggested Citation

Ryo, Emily, Deciding to Cross: The Norms and Economics of Unauthorized Migration (August 31, 2013). 78 American Sociological Review 574 (2013), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2694130

Emily Ryo (Contact Author)

Duke Law School ( email )

210 Science Drive
Durham, NC 27708
United States
6502483855 (Phone)

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