Troublesome Border, Revised Edition - Paperback

by Oscar J. Martínez (Author)

"U.S. residents are largely unaware that Mexicans also view their northern border with concern, and at times even alarm. Border communities, such as Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana, have long been subjected to heavy criticism from Mexico City and other interior areas for their close ties to the United States, a country viewed with apprehension and suspicion by the Mexican citizenry."

Front Jacket

aU.S. residents are largely unaware that Mexicans also view their northern border with concern, and at times even alarm. Border communities, such as Ciudad JuArez and Tijuana, have long been subjected to heavy criticism from Mexico City and other interior areas for their close ties to the United States, a country viewed with apprehension and suspicion by the Mexican citizenry.a Oscar MartA-nezas words may come as a surprise to those who associate the U.S. southern border with banditry, racial strife, illegal migration, drug smuggling, and official corruptionaall attributed to Mexico. In Troublesome Border, now revised to reflect the dramatic changes over the last two decades, a distinguished scholar and long-time resident of the border area addresses these and other problems that have caused increasing concern to federal governments on both sides of the border. This second edition of "Troublesome Border" has been updated and revised to cover dramatic developments since the bookas first publication in 1988 that have once again transformed the region in fundamental ways. Martinez includes new information on migration and drugs, including the extraordinary rise of violence traced largely to the rampant illegal drug trade; the devastating effects of U.S. Border Patrol ablockadesa that have resulted in thousands of deaths; and the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Back Jacket

'Martinez's account differs from previous works that have used historical and political-geographical methodologies in that he uses a typical approach. His readable, concise overview includes the history of the frontier, the role of the Indians and Chicanos on the border, the impact of provincial versus Mexico City views, and the consequences of ecological issues. Highly recommended for informed readers and specialists.' Library Journal

Author Biography

Oscar J. Martínez's own family migrated from the interior of Mexico to El Paso in the 1950s. He is a Regents Professor of History at the University of Arizona.