E.g., 10/03/2023
E.g., 10/03/2023
Central America & the Caribbean

Central America & the Caribbean

The countries of Central America's Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) have seen a significant number of their citizens migrate to the United States. Immigrants from the Caribbean represent half of all Black immigrants in the United States. As such, the ties between these countries and their diasporas have taken on new importance, as has the integration of these immigrants in their country of settlement. Research here explores the demographics, migration flows, human-capital development, interconnected policy realities, and outcomes for immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean. (For research specific to Mexico, see North America.)

Migrants in the Darien Gap village of Canaan Membrillo, Panama.
Articles

How the Treacherous Darien Gap Became a Migration Crossroads of the Americas

Passage through the Darien Gap has transformed migration across the Americas. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken the incredibly perilous journey across the remote jungle between Colombia and Panama, risking exposure to hazardous terrain, criminal groups, and other dangers. As this article outlines, governments have struggled to respond to the growing movement, expected to top 500,000 crossings in 2023.

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Reports

Migration Narratives in Northern Central America: How Competing Stories Shape Policy and Public Opinion in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador

El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have long histories of emigration, but are seeing increasing transit and return migration as well. This report explores the stories told within these three countries about migration in all its forms, how these narratives intersect with (and at times, contradict) each other, and how they influence policy decisions and public opinion.

Venezuelan migrants at the Colombian border.
Articles

In a Dramatic Shift, the Americas Have Become a Leading Migration Destination

Political and economic crises, new free-movement arrangements, and other trends are transforming countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, a region once known primarily for its emigration. The number of immigrants living in the region has nearly doubled since 2010, an incredible change in a short period of time. This article makes sense of a profound transition underway in the Western Hemisphere.

Two Haitian women stand in front of a mural in Mexico
Reports

Migration, Integration, and Diaspora Engagement in the Caribbean: A Policy Review

Although Caribbean migration is often discussed in terms of movement to North America and Europe, migration within the region has increased notably in recent years. With people on the move for work or study, to join family, and to seek safety from natural disasters or persecution, this mobility takes many forms. This report explores Caribbean migration trends and the policies and institutions put in place at national and regional levels to manage them.

Recent Activity

Articles
April 1, 2006
Mexico: Caught Between the United States and Central America
By Manuel Angel Castillo
Articles
April 1, 2006
CAFTA: What Could It Mean for Migration?
By Salomon Cohen
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Reports
September 2004
The Dominican Population in the United States: Growth and Distribution
By  Elizabeth Grieco
Articles
June 1, 2003
Skilled Migration Abroad or Human Capital Flight?
By B. Lindsay Lowell
Articles
June 1, 2003
Remittances, the Rural Sector, and Policy Options in Latin America
By Manuel Orozco
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Reports
April 2003
Discussion on Migration and Development: Using Remittances and Circular Migration as Drivers for Development
By  Kevin O'Neil
Articles
February 1, 2003
Latino Remittances Swell Despite U.S. Economic Slump
By Roberto Suro

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Recent Activity

Articles
April 1, 2006

Remittance Trends in Central America

In 2004, Central American countries received US$ 7.8 billion in remittances through official channels. Are remittances hurting or helping the region? MPI’s Dovelyn Agunias investigates.

Articles
April 1, 2006

National Policies and the Rise of Transnational Gangs

The growth of violent gangs such as MS-13, which operates in the United States and Central America, has caught the attention of the U.S. media and law enforcement. However, the role of migration policies in this growth deserves closer attention, finds MPI's Mary Helen Johnson.

Reports
September 2004

The Dominican Population in the United States: Growth and Distribution

This study provides an overview of the size and growth of the Dominican population in the United States and discusses some of the unique characteristics of this community. The report also highlights the geographic distribution of Dominicans within the United States.

Articles
June 1, 2003

Remittances, the Rural Sector, and Policy Options in Latin America

Manuel Orozco of Inter-American Dialogue examines the increasing relevance of economic ties between diasporas and home country economies in Latin America.

Articles
June 1, 2003

Skilled Migration Abroad or Human Capital Flight?

B. Lindsay Lowell of Georgetown University sketches the big picture of skilled migration, touching on both negative impacts and positive feedback for developing states.

Reports
April 2003

Discussion on Migration and Development: Using Remittances and Circular Migration as Drivers for Development

Although the relationship between migration and development has been widely discussed and debated for more than 30 years, a number of unanswered questions and unsettled debates remain. On April 11 and 12, 2003, the Migration Policy Institute sought to advance the dialogue. This report summarizes the key talking points of the high level meeting and offers some key summary remarks.

Articles
February 1, 2003

Latino Remittances Swell Despite U.S. Economic Slump

Director of the Pew Hispanic Center, Roberto Suro, looks at how the flagging U.S. economy has not kept Latino immigrants from sending money back to their homelands.

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