The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA ) alone will not solve the problems of unauthorized migration although increased trade and economic development continue to pose the second best hope for reducing migration pressure in the long run. The real issue is reducing the birth rate.

This battle is between children and the cost of educating them.

The border enforcement strategies begun in 1994 are affecting migration patterns, but not preventing unauthorized entry. The major programs begun since 1994, 1995 and 1996 are "Hold-the-Line" in El Paso, "Gatekeeper" in San Diego, and "Safeguard" in Arizona. However, migrant smuggling is a well established business operated by coyotes, as the saying goes.