The 100000 (at least) Mexicans who (peacefully) stormed Chicago about 2 weeks ago were essentially saying they have not considered staying home and demanding their rights in their own country.
We have become a steam release valve for the discontented who should be home fighting for their country.
Your approach is the short sighted "solution" to the problem, as you kind of admit by referring to it as the "place to begin". So be it. But I don't think you will get your wish, and in the mean time the problem will continue.
OUR government is the problem as far as we are concerned and if they don't take a tough line politically with the Mexican government, nothing will work long term. Bush and ALL the rest are the problem, fix them and you are well on your way to a true long term cure.
We need politicains with balls, not just against jihadists, but with enough balls to speak the truth on all the issues.
Again, no matter how much someone has in the way of "guts," NO PRESIDENT can seriously change another country's policies unless you propose an invasion of Mexico.
I have a much better solution: build a wall, rabidly pursue all employers who hire illegals, and immediately deport anyone who is illegally here.
It really is simple, and has nothing to do with the Me-hee-co economy.