Migration From Central America
By: Grant Calvert
Migration From Central America: Stopping the Bleed
Most countries in Central America are experiencing steady population losses due to emigration. Push factors such as war, drought, natural disasters, substandard education, and poor economic opportunities lead people to move away from the area because of difficulties they create.
Effects of Emigration on Central American Citizens
Emigration has negative effects on the people of Central America. First, the steady departure from Central America is made up of people the area can't easily replace. Those who depart to avoid violence and war are generally peaceful people. Those who leave to get better educations are likely both smart and willing to learn. And those who leave to seek better economic opportunity are likely willing to work hard. Second, the loss of the area's best and brightest citizens makes it harder for existing business and industry to survive, to prosper, and to provide jobs that might keep others from moving.
However, not all effects are negative. One positive effect of emigration is seen in the form of remittances that come back from those who have moved away, providing an influx of funds to both citizens and their governments.
Pictures Worth 1,000 Words
La Bestia
Hundreds of Central American's board a freight train affectionately known as "The Beast" in southern Mexico, hoping to make their way to the Mexico-US border. (Source: dailymail.co.uk)
Not All Migrants Are Adults
There is a growing segment of unaccompanied children attempting to migrate from violent and poverty stricken areas of Central America. (Source: thedenverchannel.com)
The Path of Migration
Looking For Solutions
Options That Might Help
One solution to keep Central Americans from migrating might be official aid. Official aid from different countries could be used to build more stable economies in the countries of Central America. This money could help to rebuild businesses and provide more opportunities in Central America for people living there, allowing them to find work and make money to support their lifestyles and families. It could also be used to assist in overcoming drought. Funds received through official aid could be used to build infrastructure for irrigation, and to educate farmers on crop rotation and other methods of maximizing production. In these ways, official aid could help stem population loss because fewer people would move out of Central America and more people would stay.
Perhaps the most important change that could slow migration from Central America would be curbing violence in the area. Violence related to wars, the illegal drug trade, and other criminal and gang-related activity is cited as a major reason for people leaving the area. If the governments of the region could put an end to this violence, many people who might otherwise leave for safety reasons might stay.