What Causes Latin American Immigration? - An Expert's Perspective

Poverty, violence, and food insecurity are some of the most pressing issues that drive families to migrate to the north. Most of the people who cross the southern border of the United States come from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The five counties with the highest number of South American immigrants are Miami-Dade County in Florida, Queens County in New York, Broward County in Florida, Los Angeles County in California, and Kings County in New York. These five countries make up almost 80% of the total South American immigrant population in the United States. Experts warn that a long-term decrease in Latin American immigration could disrupt labor markets in certain parts of the US economy, particularly labor-intensive industries in the Sun Belt and Western states.

This displacement from their homes has forced many migrants to seek employment in a major city in Latin America or to migrate to a first-world country such as the United States. The policy has hindered attempts to reduce gender-based violence in Latin America and has made it difficult for real and potential victims of such violence to get asylum in the United States. The Center for American Progress is an independent, non-partisan organization that is devoted to improving the lives of all Americans through progressive ideas, strong leadership, and concerted action. Violence against women is widespread throughout Latin America, particularly in areas that are usually affected by high levels of violent crime. In several South American countries, remittances accounted for less than 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), although Guyana (6%), Ecuador (4%), Colombia (3%), and Bolivia (3%) were more dependent on remittances. Figure 1 from the authors' article helps to put US immigration from Latin America into historical context. There is no doubt that the many issues faced by Central American countries necessitate a substantial increase in aid to the region.

Compared to the large waves of immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries, modern Latin American immigration is similar in magnitude. Supporters of this theory argue that the high influx of immigrants from Latin America to the United States is due to wage disparities. Restoring social trust is essential for democracy, foreign policy, immigration, international affairs, Latin America, Mexico+3 more. The primary causes of Latin American immigration are poverty, violence, food insecurity, and wage disparities. These issues have been exacerbated by a lack of aid from foreign countries and a lack of social trust in democracy. This has led to an increase in migration from Latin America to other countries such as the United States.

The Center for American Progress is working to improve these conditions by advocating for progressive ideas and strong leadership.

Willem Vermeulen
Willem Vermeulen

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