Mr. Speaker. immigrants in Chicago and throughout the United States work hard. same money. and send billions of their U.S. dollars to relatives living in foreign countries. The money wiring industry--dominated by giants Western Union and MoneyGramhave emerged as the major vehicle for sending dollars across borders. Immigrants with family in Mexico are among the primary customers of these services. It is estimated that between $4 and $6 billion is sent annually from the U.S. to Mexico through such wire payments. This figure has an enormous impact on Mexico. as it represents the countrys fourthlargest source of income from international sourcestrailing only the money it receives for manufactured goods. oil. and tourism. Many Mexican immigrants prefer to use the services offered by wire transfer companies rather than postal or other delivery services. Some customers are attracted by the companies. advertisements which promise fast. affordable. convenient service. Others have been dissuaded from sending money through other means after reports began circulating of armed robberies of courier services in Mexico and mail pouches disappearing from Mexican postal branches.
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