Mixed Migration in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Americas are a continent characterized primarily by intra-regional movements. Mixed migration movements in LAC gained global attention between 2017 and 2018, when the number of refugees and migrants from Venezuela sharply increased and reached virtually every country in the region. After initially adopting an open border policy, several states in LAC started imposing increasing restrictions to the mobility of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, who now struggle to move and integrate in their country of destination.

In parallel, Central and North America continue to witness mixed migration movements of two main population groups, both trying to reach the US: nationals of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, leaving their countries of origin to find protection from violence and persecution by criminal gangs, improve their economic situation and reunite with family members at destination; and people on the move from African, Asian and Caribbean countries, also motivated by a variety of drivers that include searching for better opportunities but also fleeing armed conflict and persecution. Several initiatives – including safe third country agreements – have been put in place by the US to reduce both regular and irregular migration and prevent people on the move from reaching its territory.