“[...] the "explosion" of Mexicans crossing the border without permission was entirely predictable. It was the inevitable consequence of of policies that slashed opportunities to migrate legally without addressing the forces pushing and pulling people across the line. People who had lived their lives across two countries legally and peacefully for decades were suddenly redefined as invaders and threats. The "Illegal immigrant" was thus invented in Washington, D.C., conjured out of contradiction.” PoliticsUnited StatesImmigrationBordersMexicoImmigration Issues Book:The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez: A Border Story Source: The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez: A Border Story