Allow Mexicans up to 6 senate seats and a whole raft of congresscritters. Allow US enterprises free reign in Mexico and use Mexican oil profits to finance a raft of saftey nets that give Mexican's a reason to stay near home and still elevate their standard of living.
The cost, probably less than $3B. Might even be as bloodless as Iraq if we promise that the six ruling families are gone. If we advertise that this new state(s) will be democratic the average Mexican will probably assist in the invasion.
This idea may not be as foolish as I first imagined. The cost alone of adequately protecting our boarders would be staggering in comparison to a quick invasion with tactical support within range of our domestic bases.
Well, at first blush I'd say that was probably one of the dumbest ideas I've heard in a day or two.
I can see all kinds of boogers waiting to bite us in the ass with Mexico as a state.
I don't think 3 billion or even 3 hundred billion would touch what it would cost to raise Mexico's standard of living up to ours.
But I'd be willing to evaluate some more data.
How about we just conquer them and not admit them as states for at least a generation or two? I'm not eager to give the Dems access to almost 200 million new voters right away.