An assessment of labor force participation rate in the U.S. - Mexico border region : case of the Imperial County Region

Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-63)The purpose of this research is to identify the main reasons contributing to the low labor force participation rate in the border region. The United States- Mexico border region has experienced considerable population growth throughout the past decades due to increased trade and border migration. Nevertheless, labor force participation rates have not kept pace with the population growth rate. Therefore, I seek to better understand the role of the labor force participation in the United States- Mexico border region. More specifically, I will be analyzing the labor force participation rate of the population living in Imperial County, California and other southwestern border counties to include: Imperial County, California; San Diego County, California; Cochise County, Arizona; Pima County, Arizona; Yuma County, Arizona; Dona Ana County, New Mexico; Cameron County, Texas; El Paso County, Texas; Hidalgo County, Texas; Webb County, Texas. The case of the Imperial County is an important example of the United States border region given that its high unemployment rate has received national attention and the region now ranks number one in its unemployment rate. The goals are to determine the main reason why the labor force participation rate is low in the region and to provide some information to researchers and policy makers on the needs of the population. In addition, it would allow improvements in the quality of life of the population within the Imperial County as well as in other border regions. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods will be used. This includes data analysis of the U.S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey and the regional/local websites of the region. In examining this criterion, I will interview a sample of the Imperial County residents to ascertain the main reason for the low labor force participation in the Imperial County. A sample of 40 participants has been interviewed to include employed individuals, unemployed individuals, individuals considered "out of the labor force" and industry leaders that have experience in or explicit knowledge of the labor force in the border region