What we need to start doing is officially criticizing the Mexican government, their corruption, and their inability to provide opportunities for their own citizens. Seriously. We should state that Mexico has rich natural resources, a large amount of valuable coastline, and a very bright and talented citizenry, but they feel they have to leave Mexico because the government corruption there precludes economic growth and opportunity. This is all true, and we need to shame their government over, and over, and over again. In fact, I would propose reciprocal educational programs, and greater cooperation with Mexico, predicated on their providing greater opportunities to their own citizens and working to stop illegal immigration.
You have some seriously valid points. Why do so many American (and international) tourists flock to Mexico? Because of a whole lot of beautiful country (especially coasts), and with a growing ecological tourism as well as archeological interests - there is a lot to draw people to Mexico.
Mexico does, indeed, have great natural resources - much of which goes completely untapped.
Because of our own skyrocketing medical costs here in the US, medical “tourism” is rapidly growing...
There are no logical, natural reasons for Mexico to remain a third world country that exports its criminals as well as many of its citizens who actually have a work ethic... except that the country is incredibly, painfully corrupt. Yet exporting your hard workers isn’t going to fix that.
The solution is for the Mexican people to finally say ENOUGH! WE want our own nation to prosper and move into the 21st Century.
Alas - they apparently don’t have that kind of backbone or drive.