WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the past three years, the United States has aimed to curb migration from Central America by pursuing policies that make those countries friendlier to their own citizens so they are less inclined to embark on the journey northward.
In July 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris announced the implementation of a new U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America. Through this strategy, the United States is delivering tangible benefits and creating economic opportunities for citizens in the region to prosper at home. Our efforts have mobilized partner governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society groups to take collaborative action. Together we are implementing policies and programs to address the complexity of irregular regional migration in line with our commitments with 22 partners under the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
At its core, the U.S. Strategy to Address Root Causes of Migration in Central America aims to establish more prosperous, safe, and democratic conditions so that potential migrants are not compelled to leave their homeland and make the dangerous journey north. As a result of our efforts in the last three years, more people see futures for themselves and their families at home. The strategy has five pillars: economic opportunity, governance, human rights, security, and addressing gender-based violence. Learn more about our progress in the latest Root Causes Strategy Results Report.
(PHOTO: Venezuelan migrants and refugees via United Nations.)