Center for the U.S. and Mexico

Strengthening the binational relationship by addressing major concerns on both sides of the border.

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Featured Research

Line of Hispanic immigrants waiting outside with backs to viewer.

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Policy Brief

More Humane Immigration Policies Will Reduce Migrant Trauma: A Conversation with Dr. Alfonso Mercado

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Issue Brief

Why is Tesla Planning an Automobile Factory in Mexico? The Reasons May Surprise You.

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Policy Brief

How an Overlooked Visa Category Can Help Solve the US Labor Problem

Tony Payan

Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies | Director, Center for the United States and Mexico

David A. Gantz

Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics

Research Projects

Center research primarily focuses on six areas of interest to Mexico and the U.S.

Visiting Scholars

Two programs offer scholars the opportunity to conduct research in Houston.

Interns

Rice students can gain public policy experience by interning in a nonprofit think tank environment.

The “Judy Ley Allen Mexico Centered” podcast features interviews with academics, former government officials and other experts on issues central to U.S.-Mexico relations.

Check back regularly for new episodes. The podcast is also available for streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music and Radio Public.

Please send questions or comments to usmexicocenter@rice.edu.

Music for the podcast is provided courtesy of www.bensound.com.

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Migration Initiative

With an interdisciplinary and interrelated approach, the Baker Institute Migration Initiative — a collaboration between the Center for Health and Biosciences, Center for the U.S. and Mexico and Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East — focuses on the economic, legal, health and social and environmental aspects of migration.

Join the U.S.-Mexico Forum

U.S.-Mexico Forum members are individuals and corporations that provide general support to the policy research activities and programs of the Center for the United States and Mexico at Rice University’s Baker Institute. Members have access to center experts and guests and to policy briefs on developments regarding the U.S.-Mexico relationship.

Learn more

Research

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Policy Brief

More Humane Immigration Policies Will Reduce Migrant Trauma: A Conversation with Dr. Alfonso Mercado

Hostile immigration enforcement policies and anti-immigrant actions against refugees and asylum…

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Report

Yarrington, García Luna, and Cienfuegos: Three Cases that Explain the New Judicial Relationship Between Mexico and the United States

In this report, fellow Tony Payan examines three recent U.S. criminal cases involving high-ranking…

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Issue Brief

Why is Tesla Planning an Automobile Factory in Mexico? The Reasons May Surprise You.

Despite the many potential challenges — including difficulties conserving water, using clean energy…

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Commentary

Accusations of US Spying in Mexico Reveal AMLO’s Hostile Intentions Toward US Interests

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's deference to drug cartels in Mexico reveals that he…

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Research Paper

Reassessing the Impact of Mexico’s National Guard on Public Safety and US Relations

Nonresident scholar Richard Kilroy explores how Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s…

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Policy Brief

How an Overlooked Visa Category Can Help Solve the US Labor Problem

The U.S. is facing a structural labor shortage and a deepening immigration crisis. Modifying the…

Events

Upcoming Events

Latin children labor in unregulated conditions

Center for the U.S. and Mexico

Tue, May 30 2023, 4 –5pm

Baker Briefing: Child Labor Laws and Immigration see details

Center for the U.S. and Mexico

Wed, May 31 2023, 5 –6:45pm

The US-Mexico Relationship: A Conversation with the Honorable Earl Anthony Wayne, Former US Ambassador to Mexico see details

The front of Baker Hall, from across the plaza, with fountain in foreground

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Mexico Forum

Wed, Sep 13 2023, 6 –8:30pm

Center for the US and Mexico 10th Anniversary Dinner see details

Past Events

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | April 11, 2023

Immigrant Workers and the U.S. Labor Markets

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East | March 15, 2023

Charting Paths Forward on Immigration Reform

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | February 23, 2023

Immigration Reform and the Impact on Children: A Town Hall Discussion

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | January 19, 2023

Exploring the Role of Think Tanks in the U.S.-Mexico Relationship

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Mexico Forum | December 8, 2022

Mexico Country Outlook 2023

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | October 26, 2022

The Future of Trade: A North American Perspective

Experts

Fellows and Scholars

Head shot of international trade fellow David Gantz

David A. Gantz

Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics

Head shot of Latin American energy fellow Francisco Monaldi

Francisco J. Monaldi

Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy | Director, Latin America Energy Program

Rodrigo Montes de Oca

Research Scholar

Tony Payan

Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies | Director, Center for the United States and Mexico

Nonresident Scholar

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Clare Ribando Seelke

Nonresident Scholar

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About

About the Center

The Center for the United States and Mexico seeks to have a meaningful impact on the U.S.-Mexico relationship through original research, relevant solutions to binational policy issues, and the advancement of mutual understanding by convening leaders who can bridge the world of ideas and the world of action.

The center’s research agenda focuses primarily on the following issues of concern to the United States and Mexico:

learn more about our areas of interest

For more information:
Lisa Guáqueta
Program Manager
Center for the U.S. and Mexico

Email: usmexicocenter@rice.edu
Office Phone: (713) 348-2649

Our Donors Make a Difference

We would like to thank the following for their generous support:

The Honorable James A. Baker, III
Estate of Deanna D. Emerson, M.D.
The Honorable Thomas F. McLarty III and Mrs. McLarty
Mexican Business Council
Peter Jay Sharp Foundation
Members of the U.S.-Mexico Forum

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Center for the U.S. and Mexico

Featured Research

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Migration Initiative

Join the U.S.-Mexico Forum

Research

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Fellows and Scholars

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About the Center

Our Donors Make a Difference

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