The present economic situation of Detroit reminded other cities in the United States how quickly the wheels can turn. Almost half a century ago, Detroit City was the richest city on all of America according to the United States Census Bureau. Today, Detroit is a reflection of how 'white flight' can deteriorate a city.
According to the 2010 census made by the American government, 60% of all children residing in Detroit live below the poverty line. Half of the population in the city are cannot read or write. Unemployment rate went up to 18%, and one third of the entire city's land is idle and useless.
Detroit is a major city in the state of Michigan, a state which suffered a huge blow in 2010 where almost 50% of the manufacturing industry in the area stopped or transferred. The migration of jobs was blamed on the 1994 treaty called the North American Free Trade Agreement. Employment opportunities were "displaced" to Mexico.
Railroad franchise Union Pacific was an example of this job migration. Last year, the company announced to its stockholders, "We anticipate by 2014 50% of all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. will be shipped by rail from assembly plants in Mexico. UP has access to all six major Mexico/U.S. rail lines."
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