Which states border Mexico?
Mexico shares a border with the United States, which extends over 3,145 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Four states in the United States share this border: California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Each state has unique geography, history, and cultural identity. This article will explore these four states and their shared border with Mexico.
California: The westernmost border state
California is the westernmost state that shares a border with Mexico. Its border runs along the Pacific Ocean for approximately 140 kilometers from San Diego to the city of Tijuana. The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the busiest border crossing point in the world, with over 70,000 vehicles and 20,000 pedestrians crossing daily. The state’s border region is also home to diverse ecosystems, including the Tijuana River Estuary, a critical habitat for migratory birds, and the Otay Mountain Wilderness, a protected area with unique biodiversity.
Arizona: Sharing a long border with Mexico
Arizona shares a 370-kilometer-long border with Mexico and is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Sonoran Desert, the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado River. The state’s border region is home to several national parks and monuments, including Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Coronado National Memorial. Arizona’s border region has also been a focal point of controversy over immigration policies, with some areas experiencing high levels of illegal immigration and medicine trafficking.
New Mexico: The second shortest border state
New Mexico shares a 320-kilometer-long border with Mexico and is the second shortest border state. The state’s border region has a rich history of cultural exchange between the United States and Mexico, with many cities and towns having a strong Hispanic heritage. The town of Columbus, New Mexico, was the site of Pancho Villa’s raid in 1916, which marked the first time a foreign army had attacked the United States since the War of 1812. Today, the border region is a hub for trade and commerce, with several ports of entry connecting New Mexico to Mexico.
Texas: The state with the longest border with Mexico
Texas shares the longest border with Mexico, stretching over 1,200 kilometers from El Paso to the Gulf of Mexico. The state’s border region is home to several major cities, including El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville. Texas has a long history of cultural exchange with Mexico, with many residents having roots in both countries. The state’s economy is heavily reliant on cross-border trade, with Mexico being Texas’ largest trading partner. However, the border region also faces challenges, including medicine trafficking and illegal immigration.
California: The busiest border crossing point
The San Ysidro Port of Entry, located in California, is the busiest border crossing point in the world, with over 70,000 vehicles and 20,000 pedestrians crossing daily. The port of entry connects the city of San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico and is vital for trade and commerce between the two countries. The port also plays a significant role in regulating immigration and is a focal point of political controversy over immigration policies.
Arizona: A state of diverse landscapes
Arizona’s border region is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Sonoran Desert, the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado River. The region is home to several national parks and monuments, including Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Coronado National Memorial. The state’s border region has also been a focal point of controversy over immigration policies, with some areas experiencing high levels of illegal immigration and medicine trafficking.
New Mexico: A history of cultural exchange
New Mexico’s border region has a rich history of cultural exchange between the United States and Mexico, with many cities and towns having a strong Hispanic heritage. The town of Columbus, New Mexico, was the site of Pancho Villa’s raid in 1916, which marked the first time a foreign army had attacked the United States since the War of 1812. Today, the border region is a hub for trade and commerce, with several ports of entry connecting New Mexico to Mexico.
Texas: The border’s impact on the state’s economy
Texas’ economy is heavily reliant on cross-border trade, with Mexico being the state’s largest trading partner. The state’s border region is home to several major cities, including El Paso, Laredo, and Brownsville. However, the border region also faces challenges, including medicine trafficking and illegal immigration. The state’s political leaders have been vocal in advocating for increased border security measures, while also acknowledging the importance of trade between the two countries.
Conclusion: Four states united by a border with Mexico
The four states that share a border with Mexico have unique geography, history, and cultural identity. California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are home to diverse ecosystems, national parks and monuments, and major cities. The border region is a hub for trade and commerce, but also faces challenges such as illegal immigration and medicine trafficking. Nonetheless, the shared border between the United States and Mexico represents a vital connection between two countries with intertwined histories and cultures.
