Caravan towards a brighter future

On a treacherous caravan, many Central American have planned to cross the southwestern border of the United States. In a painful exodus of almost biblical proportions, people dare to risk their lives in their search for the promised land. In previous years, around 260.000 people left the Northern Triangle region of Central America annually. Last year, the amount of immigrant increased exponentially. Many of them are hoping for asylum to get proper documentation in the United States; the amount of people is simply overwhelming.

Border and immigration officials even asked the Unites States Congress to make a proper investigation and search for the root of this forced migration.

The heart of the matter

According to some studies, many migrants are looking for better opportunities taking as beacon the strength of North American economy. Other migrants are avoiding the rampant violence that puts a veil of impunity on streets covered with crime and filth. The International Organization of Migration conducted a survey on a group of Salvadorians to fully understand the motives for this massive migration. A staggering 52% of the surveyed left the country looking for economic opportunities across the border. 8% cited violence and insecurity as their main motive. Only 2% left their countries on the quest of family reunification.

Another important factor for relocation is natural disasters. The region is extremely vulnerable to floods in several locations. Those precarious conditions are pushing farmers to sell the land or in extreme cases, simply leave part of the land un-attended. Life in the countryside is both dangerous and uncertain.

SECURITY AS A PUSH FACTOR

The land of the free awaits

This is the story of Karen, a Honduran mother of two. Marching towards the border under a 90-degrees heat, chanting non-stop “The land of the free awaits.” For her, is a matter of survival. She said the situation got out of control in her hometown; bad politics, stirred with the unforgiving spoon of poverty and violence pushed her to take the decision. “My children deserve better. All we see around is mindless oppression, I’m doing this for them.” Her determination is mind-blowing, in her own words, “There’s no turning back, look at the caravan, this is a caravan for a brighter future.” Not every single one of them is planning to enter the country illegally. A vast majority wants to try the treacherous route of asylum, one of the few legal options these wanderers have at hand to start a new life in North America.

SOCIOECONOMIC UNREST

Bad Captains Steering them wrong

On the wake of bad leadership, selfishness and greed. The region has been systematically guided to failure. With land and resources in the hands of a few, the population have been immersed in staggering inequality. During the 1980s and 1990s, the shift to market-oriented economy policies placed the region in a mirage of prosperity. According to some studies, this shift was beneficial in the diversification of the agricultural-based economy of those countries.

The paradox lies in the fact that those nations are not capable to generate enough work places. Leaving an increasing number of young adults waiting helplessly for an opportunity to enter the work force.

In the wake of the flood

The United States is working in mutual agreement with local governments on raising awareness of the danger of entering the U.S. illegally. Their main objective is to educate the population of the Central American Northern Triangle on foreign policies regarding illegal immigration and deportation.

The collaboration is not as effective as they thought it would be. The population is aware of the hazard. No words adorned with good intentions seems to stop them, they still see the Northern border as the future. According to some, the gain surpasses the risk.

KEEP GOING NORTH

Homo destinatus

The quest for a better life beyond the north border is a common goal for Central and Latin-American countries. The tales of those who dare to make the frightening journey are simply mind-blowing. Stories full of bravery, determination and courage. It’s a shame that no matter the nationality, the motifs are always the same.

Are we really sure that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? For better or for worse, it’s up to us to find out.