Background: The Migration Crisis

As illegal immigration surged at the southern border, the Biden administration recognized the necessity to address the multifaceted issues driving this trend. Instigated by an unprecedented influx of migrants, especially from Central America, the administration unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle the “root causes” of migration. This involved a nuanced combination of diplomatic efforts, governmental initiatives, and financial backing from various organizations, with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) playing a pivotal role.

Vice President Harris Takes the Lead

Vice President Kamala Harris was appointed to spearhead the efforts aimed at engaging Central American nations. Her mandate included addressing critical issues such as gang violence, climate change, and pervasive poverty, all of which contributed to the migration crisis. Under her leadership, USAID aimed to effectively channel funding and resources to the areas deemed most affected.

USAID: A Key Player in the Strategy

However, as the Biden administration rolled out its strategies, the efficacy of USAID’s operations faced scrutiny. Recently, USAID’s functions were frozen, sparked by concerns surrounding the appropriate allocation of funds, casting a long shadow over its initiatives. Despite the temporary halt, a historical overview of its commitments reveals a complex tapestry of programs designed to bolster communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Centroamérica Local Initiative: A Major Commitment

In 2021, USAID launched the Centroamérica Local initiative, marking a significant investment in Central America. This five-year, 0 million plan aimed to fund grassroots organizations and foster local growth.

According to the agency, “Under this new initiative, Centroamérica Local, USAID intends to invest up to 0 million… to engage, strengthen, and fund local organizations to implement programs fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth, enhancing governance, fighting corruption, protecting human rights, and more.” This initiative underscored a commitment to building regional stability.

Continued Support in Central America

The initiatives continued to evolve in 2022 when USAID announced targeted programs to combat gender-based violence in Central America. Notable commitments included a .5 million initiative in Guatemala, a .7 million project in Honduras, and additional programs in El Salvador.

During a visit to Guatemala in March 2022, Harris unveiled plans for a 5 million investment, expanding on development and security initiatives that would ultimately aim to dissuade migration through economic enhancement.

Programmatic Initiatives Enhancing Local Resilience

Part of this funding included the expansion of the Central American Service Corps, initiated at the Summit of the Americas. This program aimed to engage approximately 2,800 individuals at high risk of migration through volunteer opportunities and employment training.

Additionally, a “Feed the Future” program was also implemented, tasked with enhancing research and education pertaining to sustainable agricultural practices amidst a climate crisis. USAID’s formulation of a “Guatemala Biodiversity Conservation” program promised to conserve biodiversity and bolster protected ecological regions.

Investments and Outcomes in 2023

By September 2022, USAID marked its territory further with an additional .75 million designated for Guatemala. The agency continued its trend of substantial investments, amounting to over 3 million in 2023, focused on enhancing democracy, supporting rural development, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

The funded activities aimed to implement climate-resilient infrastructure and promote digital governance, all designed to cultivate an environment conducive to stability and growth.

Challenges to the Root Causes Strategy

Despite USAID’s commitment and programming, the effectiveness of the “root causes” strategy has been a topic of contention. Harris faced significant criticism during her bid for the presidency, as the narrative shifted from long-term solutions to immediate border security initiatives.

The contrasting approaches between the Biden administration and the previous Trump administration highlight a profound disagreement on how to manage migration issues. Trump’s administration was heavily critical of the strategy, focusing primarily on securing the border and enforcing stricter immigration policies.

A Look Back at Trump’s Administration

In direct opposition to the current administration’s approach, Trump’s administration took steps to cut funding aimed at addressing migration root causes. From the outset of his term, Trump rescinded multiple executive orders that sought comprehensive frameworks for managing migration across Central America, effectively dismantling initiatives designed to aid those at risk of migration.

The unequivocal focus on border security left many questioning the sustainability of a purely punitive approach, revealing an ongoing debate on how best to balance security with humanitarian efforts.