DALLAS — The Mexican Consulate of Dallas reports that about 400 families are moving back to Mexico and have requested school enrollment transfers for their children. This development is being seen across the country in an increasing trend.

Mexican families in the DFW Metroplex have succumbed to the fear of living a lifestyle marked by being undocumented, enduring economic hardship due to the flailing economy, as well as, shattered hopes of any immigration reform being passed in the foreseeable future. All these factors are driving some residents across the border.

Undocumented residents feel anti-immigrant sentiments are ever-increasing, and with the authorities detaining more people on a daily basis — the fear of deportation forcing some to separate from their families is getting harder to bear.

According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Dallas; deportations increased from 108,900 in 2005 to 136,370 in 2007. The forecast for this year can be expected to be higher with tougher measures being taken by enforcement agencies throughout the country.

While many undocumented residents live depressed and in fear due to the increased vigilance from law enforcement agencies, some organizations that oppose illegal immigration are happy to see them return to their home country. These people believe tougher law enforcement is working and hope that this will encourage Mexico to jumpstart their economy so fewer Mexicans will be forced to leave in hopes of a better future elsewhere.

The future is not certain for residents living undocumented in the U.S. or for the ones returning to Mexico. Life remains hard and with poverty rising on both sides of the border, it may not get much easier in either country.

However, to Mexicans returning home, at least in Mexico, they will find the peace of mind that eludes them living in the shadows within the United States.

(Information in this article was based on a news story that appeared in The Dallas Morning News on July 5, 2008)