Summarizing Biden’s Approach to Supporting Migration in the Southern U.S. Border
The Biden administration’s strategy to address root causes of immigration, such as issues like gang violence, climate change, and poverty, targeted the southern border region during a period of rising and significant illegal immigration. While the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) played a pivotal role in financing key programs, the freeze of its funding during this period created gaps in the information and understanding of the agencies’ spending. However, recent indicators suggest that USAID may still be contributing significantly and has provided critical support to communities affected by immigration.
During the Biden administration, Vice President Kamala Harris was tasked with leading diplomacy in Latin America to tackle the root causes, identified as issues like gang violence, climate change, and poverty. This initiative included both public and private initiatives, with USAID playing a crucial role in distributing aid. While certain operations were halted to obtain a clearer picture of USAID’s funding distribution, it remains evident that the agency provided a vital platform for solving problems like human rights issues and promoting social equity.
USAID’s role was significant in addressing the growing challenges faced by communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. During 2021, a $300 million initiative known as "Centroamericana Local" began, focusing on strengthening local organizations to implement programs aimed at sustainable economic growth, governance, and addressing sexual and gender-based violence. These efforts were under the Biden-Harris administration’s Root Causes Strategy and were part of a broader push to rebuild and reintegrate communities at the border.
The Biden administration also hinted at new initiatives in Central America, including the Feed the Future program aimed at supporting research and education to strengthen agricultural technologies and climate smart agriculture. Another expansion of the Central American Service Corps was approved in 2022, targeting 2,800 at-risk individuals. Additionally, a new "Guatemala Biodiversity Conservation" program was announced, with the intention of raising conservation efforts and supporting protected areas. These initiatives were part of a broader effort to address the intersection of merit and fear, as described by Harris in 2022.
However, criticism from Donald Trump has shaken the administration’s tone on immigration and border security. Last year, Harris ambitious to boost the Central American Service Corps, calling it a "trapping move," while mentioning the infrastructure needed to prevent migration. In 2022, Trump withdrew funding from a $65 million feed program toUPDATE, but his administration acknowledged the need for concrete progress in border and interior enforcement. Trump also revoked efforts to build resilience and resettle refugees, emphasizing徙 la desecadora de Trump.
In conclusion, while the U.S. administration has demonstrated a maturity in addressing immigration challenges, opposition from Trump’s administration has shown potential as it moves to secure border security and catalyze large-scale integration programs in Central America. The Biden administration’s strategy has been ongoing but still faces uncertainty, requiring continued scrutiny by Congress and a robust visa赑oder vote by voters.
