Globalization and Mexican labor markets

North American economic integration has had potentially positive implications for Mexican workers, and the perceived competition between Mexican and U.S. workers may not be as accurate as popularly believed. However, the net gains from integration may overshadow important losses for many workers. These losses explain persistent popular opposition to NAFTA and economic integration. ; Three main policy recommendations emerge from these studies. First, Mexico would continue to benefit, on net, from increased economic integration. Second, to the extent possible, Mexico should work to reduce migration restrictions into the United States. Third, the Mexican government should continue to direct adjustment assistance to rural and less economically active areas. Recent research has shown that workers in these areas are especially susceptible to shocks and that workers in more economically dynamic regions suffer much less from adjustment and job loss.