Globalization, NAFTA, and Washington

4th Annual Urban Poverty Forum

OneAmerica

World Disparity Increasing

Ratio of average income of 5 richest countries to 5-10 poorest countries:

1900: 9:1

Today: 100:1

Remittances Prop Up EconomiesIn 2005

•Global foreign remittances > $300 billion•Donor aid = $104 billion•India, Mexico, China and Philippines were

at the top of the list, all over $24 billion each

Corn: Culture and Economy40% of Mexicans (3 million farmers) farmed corn at the time of NAFTA

U.S. subsidized corn flooded the market• The U.S. was allowed

to keep most of its agricultural subsidies.

• From 1997-2005, a study shows that U.S. subsidized corn went into Mexico at 19 percent below the cost of its production.

Devastating Consequences to Farmers •1.3 million farmers

driven out of business.

•Monthly income for self-employed farmers fell from 1959 pesos a month in 1991 to 228 pesos a month in 2003.

Since NAFTA

Militarization of the Border has Increased Undocumented Immigrants in U.S.

Poverty in Washington’s Immigrant Families

•Quarter of foreign-born population live under 100% of poverty, and another quarter under 200% of poverty

•Half of children in immigrant families living below 200% of poverty

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