"We Sometimes Wonder What They Will Spring on Us Next": Immigrants and Border Enforcement in the American West, 1882-1930

Resumen

Complex patterns of unsanctioned immigration emerged along the Mexican and Canadian borders in the late-nineteenth century, spurring federal efforts to fortify the borders. Despite the elaboration of federal border controls, illicit entry flourished, individual immigrants and transnational smuggling syndicates demonstrated tireless ingenuity in subverting the official border. Patrones complejos de migración ilícita emergieron a lo largo de las fronteras mexicana y canadiensea finales del siglo XIX, impulsando esfuerzos federales para fortalecer las fronteras. A pesar de la implementación de controles fronterizos federales, el fenómeno de la entrada ilícita prosperí. Inmigrantes individuales y sindicatos de contrabando transnacionales demonstraron incansable ingenio en la subversion de la frontera oficial.