Annex Mexico!

That's the suggestion of Glenn Reynolds, who identifies one of the key reasons America has illegal immigrants:

In fact, they're leaving Mexico because its corrupt and thuggish political culture stifles economic growth and opportunity. The people there are smart and hardworking, after all, and they tend to do just fine when they get here. They're leaving because being smart and hardworking is enough to get you ahead in the United States, but not in Mexico.

I would love to see Mexico embrace a culture where civil servants do not take bribes, where access to markets is not restricted to those with connections, and all can work to improve their lot in life.