Boost Mexican economy

The obvious reason for illegal immigration is the disparity between the economies. Mexicans earn one-tenth what U.S. workers earn. One estimate is that about 500,000 illegal immigrants enter yearly and there are 7 million illegals in the country. The solution is obvious: Improve the Mexican economy. This might be done more easily than you might think.

Mexico is now engaged in judicial reform. That is one step. The primary reason the Mexican economy lags is that a majority, perhaps as many as 80 percent, lack property rights. When people have a title they can sell and buy property and use property as collateral for business loans.

A worldwide effort is needed, because over 80 percent of the world's population is in poverty due to the lack of property rights. Other requirements for a thriving economy include free markets, effective court systems, and low and simple taxes such as a flat or fair tax.

Robert J. Petersen

Provo