Migration Narratives in Northern Central America
Experts examined migration narratives from 2018-2023 and how they have been used to justify policy approaches or incentivize mobility decisions.
What are the stories we hear, and tell, about the movement of people across international boundaries? How do these narratives reinforce—or undermine—national values, security, and prosperity?
This conversation featured research into migration narratives with MPI, the National Immigration Forum, Metropolitan Group, and RAND.
In Migration Narratives in Northern Central America: How Competing Stories about Emigration and Immigration in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador Shape Regional Policy, authors Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan and Ariel G. Ruiz Soto of MPI, and Aaron Clark-Ginsberg of RAND, analyzed how migration narratives from 2018-2023 have engendered pride and loyalty, fear and shame, hope, and despair—as well as how different actors may leverage them to justify policy approaches or incentivize mobility decisions.
Speakers:
Natalia Banulescu-Bogdan, Associate Director, International Program, MPI
Ariel G. Ruiz Soto, Policy Analyst, MPI
Aaron Clark-Ginsberg, Behavioral/Social Scientist, RAND Corporation
Clara Villatoro, Strategic Communications Manager, National Immigration Forum
Jennie Murray, President and CEO, National Immigration Forum
Haim Malka, Executive Vice President, Metropolitan Group
Latin America and Caribbean Initiative
The Initiative combines rigorous research with direct engagement of governments, institutions, and stakeholders to help build orderly, rights-respecting migration systems across one of the world's most dynamic migration regions.
About the Global Program
The Global Program bridges policy advice, research, and candid dialogue to design effective migration policies, drawing on global evidence and anticipating the forces reshaping how people move.
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Clara Villatoro
Jennie Murray
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