Fostering Hope and Opportunity

How USAID is tackling the root causes of irregular migration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

USAID partners with municipal and central government entities to help returned migrants reintegrate into their communities. Since 2019, more than 570 returned migrants like José have been supported in El Salvador so that they thrive at home. / Karen Azucena, USAID

To tackle the root causes that drive so many people from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to attempt the dangerous journey north to the United States, the Biden-Harris Administration last week released two new strategies. These strategies seek to address the economic, governance, and security challenges in those countries.

The Root Causes Strategy consists of five pillars, or areas of strategic focus. Here are some ways that USAID will work with the people of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to bring hope and opportunity to the region:

Natanael participated in a USAID program providing at-risk youth in Honduras with training and access to jobs. He became a successful barista, building a better future for his family at home. / USAID-Empleando Futuros

Pillar 1: Addressing economic insecurity and inequality.

A majority of those who seek to migrate cite a lack of economic opportunity as one of their main reasons for leaving their home communities, and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the situation. Building on recent programs that supported the creation of tens of thousands of jobs, increased incomes, and fostered small business growth, USAID is implementing new initiatives in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras that will catalyze economic growth. For example, just this year in El Salvador, we have helped 385 small businesses with training and assistance in business expansion, biosafety protocols for tourism, value chains, and women’s business leadership. Through efforts like these, USAID seeks to support equitable economic growth that will enable the citizens of the region to recover from COVID-19 impacts and thrive.

Pillar 2: Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law.

Corruption and weak governance are critical barriers to investment and undermine trust in leadership, putting all other progress in jeopardy. USAID efforts include support for anti-corruption bodies and watchdog organizations and technical assistance to help governments enact laws that are fair and effective. For example, this year we have provided support to help the Government of Guatemala draft legislation that will reform Guatemala’s Criminal Code to strengthen articles related to human trafficking. Through our work with governments and civil society organizations, we seek to help foster transparent, democratic governance that is responsive to the needs of the citizens of the region.

Doña Ely, founder of Frito Maiz in Guatemala. / USAID

Pillar 3: Promoting respect for human rights, labor rights, and a free press.

The Root Causes Strategy elevates support for human rights and press freedoms in the United States’ work in the region. USAID is working with civil society organizations and governments to support freedom of the press and strengthen human rights standards and protections. For example, USAID is helping to expand early warning systems in the Offices of the Ombudsman for Human Rights of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; these systems detect trends that can lead to human rights violations and provide prevention recommendations to the government. Support for human rights, labor rights, and a free press helps to build the foundation for equitable, sustainable progress in the region.

Pillar 4: Countering and preventing violence, extortion, and other crimes perpetrated by criminal gangs, trafficking networks, and other organized criminal organizations.

Progress in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras is limited in part by crime and violence that put lives and futures in jeopardy. USAID’s violence prevention efforts — such as reclaiming neglected or dangerous public spaces, providing educational and job opportunities for youth, and building trust between communities and police — reach those most at risk of being victimized or committing acts of crime and violence. For example, this year, USAID helped 160 former gang members and vulnerable youth in El Salvador to access job training and social services. Providing young people with alternatives to crime and violence will help build safer communities throughout the region.

Pillar 5: Combating sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence.

Sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence are critical issues and particular drivers of migration among women. USAID is increasing community, municipal, and national prevention efforts; supporting the recovery and empowerment of survivors through access to economic and employment opportunities; and helping institutions and other stakeholders to become better able to respond to acts of violence. For example, USAID trained more than 400 Honduran police officers this year to better handle domestic violence cases. Through efforts like this, we seek to work with all levels of society to foster an environment where sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence are relegated to the past.

Left: In Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve, USAID is helping communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy ecosystems and thriving standing forests. Right: Marta is building a good life in El Salvador as a certified electrician, a field that is traditionally dominated by men. / USAID

Under the Collaborative Migration Management Strategy, USAID will strengthen cooperation with regional partners to expand safe and legal pathways to the United States.

Aditaim works on improving his farming skills in Guatemala. / USAID

This includes help to national ministries in the region so that they can connect their citizens to seasonal worker programs in the United States, all the while safeguarding worker rights. These efforts will enable those seeking to support their families to find good temporary employment opportunities abroad without feeling pressure to attempt to circumvent U.S. law.

Ultimately, through these strategies, the United States seeks to foster the conditions that can enable the citizens of the region to thrive. Our message to the people of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras is this: the United States stands with you and is committed to providing you with opportunities that can help you build secure and prosperous lives right at home.

Learn more about our efforts in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.