Center for the U.S. and Mexico

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

Textured flags of America and Mexico

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

Tesla factory

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

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

Employment Visa

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

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

Featured Experts

Tony Payan

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

Rodrigo Montes de Oca

Research Scholar

Jose Ivan Rodriguez-Sanchez

Research Scholar

Head shot of international trade fellow David Gantz

David A. Gantz

Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics

Related Information

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.

Refugees

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.

Immigration

Research

Employment Visa

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…

Mexico and China Flag

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

Will New Chinese Investment in Mexico Benefit North America?

Driven by the USMCA trade agreement and seeking to reduce supply chain disruptions, Chinese…

A gavel rests in front of the Mexican flag.

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Podcast

Baker Briefing: Mexico's Rule of Law

In March 2023, four U.S. citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint in northern Mexico; two were found dead…

A close-up of an immigration stamp.

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

Expert Focus on US Immigration: Challenges and Possible Solutions

The number of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border far exceeds the immigration system’s capacity…

Line of Hispanic immigrants waiting outside with backs to viewer.

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Report

Migrant Caravans: A Deep Dive Into Mass Migration through Mexico and the Effects of Immigration Policy

This policy report examines the push and pull factors that contribute to the formation of so-called…

Nafta flags

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

What AMLO’s Endorsement of ‘Import Substitution’ Reveals About Future North American Trade

A pledge to boost regional competitiveness is a welcome outcome of last month's North American…

Past Events

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

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | October 7, 2022

Mexico 2025 and Beyond: A Conversation with Leo Zuckermann

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Mexico Forum | August 22, 2022

A Conversation with José Medina Mora, President of COPARMEX

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | June 15, 2022

Cátedra México: A Conversation with Silvia Giorguli Saucedo, President of El Colegio de México

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | May 4, 2022

Trends in Global and Regional Trade: The View From North America

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

Jose Ivan Rodriguez-Sanchez

Research Scholar

Affiliated Experts

Kimberly Collins

Kimberly Collins

Nonresident Scholar

Ivonne Cruz

Contributing Expert, Center for the United States and Mexico

Adrian Duhalt

Nonresident Scholar in Mexico Energy Studies

Luz Maria Garcini

Baker Institute Rice Faculty Scholar

James Gerber

Nonresident Scholar

Miriam Grunstein

Nonresident Scholar

Head shot of U.S.-Mexico Center expert Gary Hale

Gary J. Hale

Nonresident Fellow in Drug Policy and Mexico Studies

Nathan P. Jones

Nonresident Scholar in Drug Policy and Mexico Studies

Gil Kerlikowske

Nonresident Fellow

Richard J. Kilroy, Jr.

Nonresident Scholar

Portrait for Jesús Antonio López Cabrera

Jesús Antonio López Cabrera

Nonresident Scholar

Isidro Morales

Nonresident Scholar

Stephen Mumme

Nonresident Scholar

Daniel Prudencio

Daniel Prudencio

Nonresident Scholar

Portrait of Jesús F. Reyes-Heroles

Jesús F. Reyes-Heroles

Nonresident Fellow

Portrait of Raul Rodriguez

Raul B. Rodriguez

Nonresident Fellow

Juan Rosellón

Nonresident Fellow

Elizabeth Salamanca

Nonresident Scholar

Clare Ribando Seelke

Nonresident Scholar

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

USMX Donors

Stay Connected

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