im still confused on what a maquiladora is. why do they put them in mexico and ship things back to the united states? what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Why do WHO put them in Mexico? The United States is a big market and we have lots of money.

Since you're in AP Geography, you should be able to find your answers in this site.

http://www.udel.edu/leipzig/texts2/vox128.htm