Research Library

As Mexico becomes a desirable site for nearshoring, damaging environmental and social impacts on the border region may be exacerbated under the economic growth. A new report by research scholar Ivonne Cruz dissects the relationship between nearshoring’s ecological and socioeconomic risks and offers trade policy recommendations to support sustainable economic development, mitigate potential hazards, and safeguard local communities.

Oil will remain an important driver of America’s economic health for years to come. Any new oil policies implemented by the new administration should recognize the proven efficiency of the current oil market in adapting to change and ensure that secure, affordable oil is available even amid efforts to reduce long-term dependence on it, writes fellow Mark Finley.

This report explores the many challenges in securing minerals and materials for evolving energy needs. From lengthy project timelines to China’s control of supply chains, these obstacles are creating a multifaceted and uncertain energy landscape — and a vast range of possible energy futures.

The U.S. needs streamlined approval processes and investments in transmission infrastructure to eliminate the backlog of pending clean electricity projects, satisfy the growing demand for electricity, and meet federal and state climate goals, writes faculty scholar Daniel S. Cohan.

The TN visa program, established 30 years ago, enables skilled professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the United States. This paper uses an innovative approach to measure TN workers’ presence in the United States, revealing key insights into their labor market impact and demographics.

Given the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to the economic well-being of the three countries involved, it is essential that all parties begin now to identify priorities for a formal review of the agreement to avoid trade delays and to secure economic competitiveness, writes fellow David A. Gantz.

How might the future of energy unfold? Ken Medlock joined the Baker Briefing podcast to discuss insights from our Center for Energy Studies experts into energy markets, geopolitics, sustainability, technology, and other topics explored in the inaugural “Energy Insights” report.

With high entrepreneurship and startup rates, Latino immigrants are key contributors to U.S. economic development. In a new report for the Center for the U.S and Mexico, nonresident fellow Elizabeth Salamanca explains how their skills and expertise are integral to innovative startups that often evolve into binational businesses, operating in both the U.S. and Mexico.

The lack of quality early childhood education carries short- and long-term adverse health and economic effects for children, families, and caregivers across the U.S. A new brief from the Center for Health and Biosciences offers policy recommendations toward increasing the Child Tax Credit and federal support to improve the access and quality of child care options as well as the future of families in the U.S.

The prices of U.S. hospital services have surged exponentially over the last two decades, outpacing inflation and rates of other medical services. A new report by Derek Jenkins, Sasathorn Tapaneeyakul, and Vivian Ho unpacks whether rising operational costs justify increased prices or if hospital profits are driving this price escalation.