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Why do Central Americans Migrate?
While individuals each have varying circumstances that cause them to migrate from Central America to other countries including Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Canada, and the United States, there are certain trends that can be found within their migratory patterns. Prior to the eruptions of civil war and armed conflict in El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras, most Central American migrants to El Norte were skilled laborers. However, as fear caused people in these countries, especially peasants, to seek refuge in other countries, Central American emigration was no longer relegated exclusively to the middle class.
After the conflicts ended, some of these migrants returned to their countries of origin, but economic problems caused many to look for work elsewhere. As such, many working class men, families, and some women have emigrated from Central American countries in search of labor. Almost everyone I interviewed said that they were migrating for work-related reasons. Due to the struggling economies and at times weak political balance in these countries, a significant source of money for Central American families comes from remittances sent home from other countries.
Many of these migrants travel irregularly through Mexico, where they have been confronted more recently with discrimination and violence from Mexican police officials, gangs like las Maras Salvatruchas, and groups linked to the drug wars like Los Zeta. Migration to El Norte has become increasingly dangerous; yet, Central Americans continue to make the journey in search of a better life.
After the conflicts ended, some of these migrants returned to their countries of origin, but economic problems caused many to look for work elsewhere. As such, many working class men, families, and some women have emigrated from Central American countries in search of labor. Almost everyone I interviewed said that they were migrating for work-related reasons. Due to the struggling economies and at times weak political balance in these countries, a significant source of money for Central American families comes from remittances sent home from other countries.
Many of these migrants travel irregularly through Mexico, where they have been confronted more recently with discrimination and violence from Mexican police officials, gangs like las Maras Salvatruchas, and groups linked to the drug wars like Los Zeta. Migration to El Norte has become increasingly dangerous; yet, Central Americans continue to make the journey in search of a better life.