Name at least two reasons why there are many Spanish speakers in the U.S states that border Mexico.

Answer 1

The simple answer would be that each US state bordering Mexico was formerly part of Mexico, and given that Spanish is the main language spoken in Mexico, it is widely spoken in those US states which were formerly Mexican territory.

The United States acquired territory from Mexico through conquest (Mexican-American War, 1846-1848) and the US purchase of land (Gadsden Purchase, 1853-1854). Much of what is today the United States and most of Latin America, originally inhabited by native peoples, was conquered and settled by the Spanish, beginning with the fall of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan in 1521 at the hands of Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortés. From there, the Spaniards continued inland and established settlements as far north as what is now the Canadian province of British Columbia, and as far south as what is now Chile and Argentina. This is the reason for the general use of Spanish in the countries that now make up that territory. Most South American and Caribbean nations are predominantly Spanish-speaking due to their history of Spanish conquest, as well as almost all of Central America, including Mexico. So, to answer the question with two specific reasons:

1. Spain conquered much of the Americas, including the territory which would become Mexico, and as a result Spanish became the primary language of Mexico.
2. The United States conquered and bought large swaths of land which belonged to Mexico, incorporating that into its territory, and much of that territory is made up by what are now US states that share a border with Mexico. The entirety of what are now the US states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and even non-border states such as Nevada and Utah, and parts of Wyoming, Colorado, and even Kansas were all once Mexican territory, and are now owned by the United States.

Answer 2

Hi Taylor I'm Eddie. The US and Mexico have close ties they are currently trading partners with tarrif or tax free commerce under NAFTA so naturally migration occurs. In all countries close borders share pockets of each countries languages.

The answer your teacher like looking for may include historic events I include the following. This question is not simple so more than 2 reasons exist.

1) Mexican American War

In this conflict most Western US was taken from Mexico basically invaded under false pretenses. Texas in particular wanted to revoke Mexican agreement to rent the land so they baited Mexican Army into conflict some dressed up as Banditios (pretending to be Mexican). This was encouraged by the US President though secretly at the time that resulted in War although he ran for office with that promise. If you simply read state names they have Spanish names like Montana (means Mountain in Spanish), Colorado (means red or flushed), New Mexico (obvious there). So many US citizens with Mexican origins can trace their lineages far back and kept Spanish speaking ways.

2) NAFTA program

Encourage commerce and NAFTA still exist so most likely for newer immigrants legal and "illegal" in the US. Not just Mexicans but even California, Arizona, Texas natives picked up Spanish and customs like Texas known for Tex-Mex food. This isn't a unique phenomenon common across the world borders.

3) Bracero program

Started in the 1942 till 1964 the US allowed Mexicans temporary visas to pick vegetables and fruits for American farms they would seasonally migrate and return. Some may have stayed in the US rather than returning to Mexico seasonally they may have continued speaking Spanish taught it to their kids.

4) ESL Program

In many states a Spanish emersion program is taught were new immigrants or first generation Americans are taught both Spanish and English in US schools this results in bilingual kids. But not just Spanish is taught I believe other languages like Chinese are taught.

5) Mexican Culture

Very unique from US with amazing foods, traditions, family orientation. As a result family orientation many newer generations keep Spanish legacy to communicate with older relatives. There is also Spanish TV programs that keep Spanish speaking in the US like Univision.

I believe your professor looking 3 answers but wouldn't hurt to include more.If anyone like more help feel free sign up for free first session.