U.S. Efforts to Address the Root Causes of Irregular Migration in Central America

In Central America, the root causes of migration run deep — and irregular migration from the region has a direct impact on the United States. For that reason, the U.S. must consistently engage with the region to address the hardships that cause people to leave Central America and come to our border. Learn more about how the U.S. is approaching irregular migration for the benefit of citizens in the U.S. and Central America.

Root Causes Strategy Overview

Our objective is to promote a democratic, prosperous, and safe Central America, where people advance economically, live, work, and learn in safety and dignity, contribute to and benefit from the democratic process, have confidence in public institutions, and enjoy opportunities to create futures for themselves and their families at home.

The Strategy is organized under five pillars:

Pillar I: Addressing economic insecurity and inequality;
Pillar II: Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law
Pillar III: Promoting respect for human rights, labor rights, and a free press
Pillar IV: Countering and preventing violence, extortion, and other crimes perpetrated by criminal gangs, trafficking networks, and other organized criminal organizations
Pillar V: Combating sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence

You can learn more about the Root Causes Strategy through the resources listed below. Beyond addressing the root causes of migration, the U.S. is committed to managing migration humanely throughout North and Central America.

Resources

Good Governance, Good Jobs Declaration
Central America Forward
Secretary Blinken Statement on the Launch of the Root Causes Strategy: Contributing to the United States’ Comprehensive Approach to Migration

The U.S. Government’s Complete Root Causes Strategy

Reports to Congress

Progress Made in the Strategy to Advance Economic Prosperity,Combat Corruption, Strengthen Democratic Governance, andImprove Civilian Security in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras — July 2022

A Strategy to Advance Economic Prosperity, Combat Corruption, Strengthen Democratic Governance, and Improve Civilian Security in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and to Curb Irregular Migration from the Region

Section 353 Reports Targeting Foreign Persons in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua who Undermine Democracy or Engage in Significant Corruption

March 9, 2022 U.S. Action Against Corruption and Attacks on Democracy in Nicaragua
September 20, 2021 Actions Against Seven Central American Officials for Undermining Democracy and Obstructing Investigations into Acts of Corruption
July 1 2021 Release of Section 353 List of Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors for Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador
2021 Report Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors