Communities in Mexico and Central America must be key U.S. partners to address roots causes of migration

Actions taken during VPHarris’ visit to the region

During the month of June, 2021, Alianza Americas and Presente.org organized a series of efforts in light of Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Guatemala and Mexico. We worked with partner organizations in Guatemala to issue recommendations to the Biden-Harris administration. In addition, we held a press conference in Guatemala City, where our partners presented these recommendations.

Press conference of civil society organizations in Guatemala, June 3, 2021.

We also sent a delegation to closely follow Vice President Harris’ visit. The delegation, included Mirtha Colón, president of Alianza Americas, Casa Yurumein, Hondurans Against AIDS NY, and the Central American Black Organization; Abel Nuñez, vice president of Alianza Americas and executive director of CARECEN Washington DC; and Hazel Contreras and Helena Olea, of the Alianza Americas team, who held meetings with media outlets and civil society organizations in Guatemala.

In Mexico, we worked with local civil society organizations to issue a letter with recommendations to strengthen protections for asylum seekers in the region. In addition, together with our members Red Mexicana de Migrantes de Líderes y Organizaciones Migrantes, and our partners at Presente.org, we sent an open letter to Vice President Harris.

Our goal through these efforts is to position us as leaders on issues related to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. We believe that Vice President Harris has the opportunity to bring a new approach to U.S. foreign policy in Central America and Mexico. Doing so will require serious engagement with new and diverse civil society partners. We will continue to offer guidance to the Biden administration and strengthen our working relationship with key allies in the region