BRIEF: 24 Dead Migrants Found in Oaxaca

OAXACA, Mexico - The bodies of 24 men were found washed ashore in the Mexican state of Oaxaca after their boat capsized on the way to the United States.  Dangerous weather conditions have been cited as the cause of the boat accident.  'People-smugglers' use many such dangerous routes to gain access into the United States when trafficking illegal migrants.

The American Law Foundation argues that the immigration policy of the United States, especially with regard to Mexico, contributes to the perilous routes illegal migrants must take in order to enter the country without reducing the number of illegal entrants.  "[V]arious academic and government studies estimate that the bodies of between 2,000 and 3,000 men, women, and children have been found along the entire southwest border since 1995."

For more information, please see:

BBC - Mexico finds 24 'Migrant' Bodies - 20 October 2007

The American Law Foundation - Immigration Policy Brief - February 2007