Latin America and Caribbean Initiative
MPI's Global Program launched the Latin America and Caribbean Initiative (LACI) in 2018 to make sense of a rapidly changing migration landscape and to generate practical ideas for managing diverse mobility while harnessing its benefits. The Initiative combines rigorous, policy-relevant research with direct engagement with decisionmakers to help governments and institutions build functional migration systems that are orderly, rights respecting, and aligned with broader development goals. For more on LACI's work, visit its About page.
Showing 41–50 of 64 results
Migration from Huehuetenango in Guatemala’s Western Highlands: Policy and Development Responses
Poverty and insecurity drive irregular emigration from Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Fragmented policies have failed to address root causes of migration.
Relaunching the Central American Minors Program: Opportunities to Enhance Child Safety and Family Reunification
The Central American Minors Program relaunch in 2021 expanded family reunification access. But it needs dedicated funding, simpler processing, and stronger integration support to succeed.
Changing Migration to Costa Rica
This webinar explored Costa Rica's immigrant integration policies and migration system amid growing flows of Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and extracontinental migrants.
Thinking Regionally to Act Locally in Immigration Policy
Mexico is becoming a country of immigration, Central America a region of transit, and South America is improvising; what does a regional migration system look like?
Investing in Alternatives to Irregular Migration from Central America: Options to Expand U.S. Employment Pathways
Expanding U.S. employment-based pathways could offer legal alternatives to irregular Central American migration while helping address U.S. labor shortages.
Charting a New Regional Course of Action: The Complex Motivations and Costs of Central American Migration
A survey of thousands of migrant-sending households in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras finds economic hardship drives migration desire, though few turn intentions into plans.
The State of Costa Rican Migration and Immigrant Integration Policy
Costa Rica’s migration system faces key gaps in regularization access, labor market integration, and coordination. Nicaraguans and newer arrivals face particular barriers.
Welcoming Venezuelan Migrants, Innovations in Integration Policies in Colombia
Speakers examined issues of integration and social cohesion in Colombia, and explored how the international community could support countries receiving significant numbers of Venezuelan migrants and refugees in 2021.
African Migration through the Americas: Drivers, Routes, and Policy Responses
African migrants increasingly transit the Americas via the Darién Gap, though COVID-19 disrupted flows in 2020. Coordinated regional policy responses are needed.
Socioeconomic Integration of Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees: The Cases of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru
As of mid-2021, five South American countries hosted more than 70 percent of the 5.6 million Venezuelans living abroad. Informality and credential barriers hindered integration.
