The number of immigrants—mostly from Latin America—jumped in southern U.S. states over the past decade and a half. As studies on acculturation rates indicate, southerners' practice of demonizing immigrants because they "refuse to assimilate" can contribute to delays in assimilation, explains Elaine C. Lacy of the University of South Carolina at Aiken.

While illegal immigration draws attention in U.S. public debate, smuggling of arms into Mexico fails to gain the same notice. As the related death toll rises in Mexico, new U.S.-Mexican cooperation hopes to control the illegal weapons flow.

Finding balance between enforcing immigration laws and maintaining a sound, competitive state economy are priorities over the rhetoric clouding the immigration debate, writes Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine.

Immigration experts joined Jorge Castañeda, Mexico's former secretary of foreign affairs, to discuss his new book Ex Mex: From Migrants to Immigrants, and the challenges facing immigration reform in the United States.

January 1 marked an end to all tariffs on agricultural goods—including corn and sugar—traded between the U.S. and Mexico. But NAFTA could hit roadblocks in 2008: Mexican truckers face barriers to accessing U.S. roads and presidential campaigns have taken protectionist tones.

Immigration emerged as one of the most divisive issues during U.S. presidential campaigns in advance of the Iowa caucus. Yet a decision must be made on immigration policy, said Ex Mex author Jorge Castañeda in an AS/COA interview: "It's either regression...or reform." Meanwhile, U.S. states approve increasing numbers of immigration-related laws.

In the next 25 years, the large scale retirement of baby boomers presents the potential for major shifts toward racial integration in the U.S. labor market, writes Richard Alba of University at Albany, SUNY.  Alba predicts that, as well-paid retirees leave the labor force, immigrants and non-whites could rise to fill positions, leading to "unprecedented diversification."