Yes, border states such as Texas, and California are real. Those of us that were having to deal with the growth, variety, and the changing attitude and demeanor of immigration were well aware of it without having to wait to read about it.
Well, it works both way. During the Depression, many Mexicans left the states and went home. The big difference betwen 1935 and 1975, was the new “safety net” that immigrants were able to draw from. Johnson’s Great Society programs have contributed to this, big-time. So in hardtimes, there is less reason to go home. Another thing is the corrupt state of Mexican government and less attraction to “home.” If you recall the “Godfather,”lots of Sicilians went home to retire. and not just because they were running from the Law. With a little money, a guy could live much above his parents’ station back in Sicily. Less of that in Mexico.