Border What to Know

The United States-Mexico Border

Length: 1,954 miles (3,145 km)

Established: 1848, following the Mexican-American War

Population: 15 million people live within 100 miles of the border

Economy: The border region is a major economic hub, with over $500 billion in annual trade

Culture: The border region is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Mexico, the United States, and indigenous communities

Challenges: The border region faces a number of challenges, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and environmental pollution

Cooperation: The United States and Mexico have a long history of cooperation on border issues, and they continue to work together to address the challenges facing the border region

History

The United States-Mexico border was established in 1848, following the Mexican-American War. The war resulted in the United States gaining control of over half of Mexico's territory, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. The border was further defined in 1853 by the Gadsden Purchase, which gave the United States control of the southern part of Arizona and New Mexico.

The border region has a long history of conflict and tension. In the 19th century, the border was a battleground for the Apache Wars, and in the early 20th century, it was a major route for Mexican immigrants fleeing the Mexican Revolution. In recent years, the border region has been plagued by drug trafficking, human smuggling, and environmental pollution.

Despite the challenges, the border region is also a place of opportunity and cooperation. The border region is a major economic hub, with over $500 billion in annual trade. The border region is also a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Mexico, the United States, and indigenous communities.

Challenges

The border region faces a number of challenges, including:

Drug trafficking: The border region is a major route for drug trafficking from Mexico to the United States. The drug trade has led to violence and instability in the border region.

Human smuggling: The border region is also a major route for human smuggling from Mexico to the United States. Human smuggling is a dangerous business, and many people have died trying to cross the border illegally.

Environmental pollution: The border region is also facing a number of environmental challenges, including air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination. The environmental challenges are caused by a number of factors, including industrial development, agricultural runoff, and population growth.

The United States and Mexico have a long history of cooperation on border issues, and they continue to work together to address the challenges facing the border region. The two countries have signed a number of agreements on border security, immigration, and environmental protection. They also work together to combat drug trafficking and human smuggling.