Emerging Information Networks between Mexico and the United States

A new and growing body of theoretical research emphasizes the importance of networks in daily life. At their essence, networks transmit information between nodes in a system and send out signals to prospective participants. Within the context of the immigration debate in the United States, Mexican immigrants may be seen to be creating cross-border networks over which information flows. We present research on transitioning the analysis of immigrant flows between the United States and Mexico from the traditional corridor analysis to one in which networks of individuals and their relationships are important. We present a basic network map created using matrícula consular data in order to reveal the complex system created by this population’s movements. Our research demonstrates that the movement of Mexican migrants to and through the US involves more than simple point-to-point travels and shows how cities and states on both sides of the international boundary are tied together through this population. The key objective is to uncover any emerging patterns otherwise not apparent through traditional means.