Here’s one I didn’t expect, but makes perfect sense: the U.S. housing collapse is hurting the Mexican economy. The amount of money sent by Mexican workers, many of whom are in construction, to family in Mexico has fallen over the last two years. Remittances form an astounding 2.8 percent of the Mexican GDP.
Fewer jobs for Mexicans in the U.S. will keep some from crossing the border, but the tougher economic times may drive others north.