News Tip: Latest Migrant Caravan Shows Limits of New Policies, Expert Says

A group of migrants set out this week from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, hoping to gain entry into the United States.

Quotes:
“The latest migrant caravan demonstrates the limits of new policies enacted by the United States with countries in the region,” says Sarah Bermeo, an associate professor at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.

“Policies such as ‘Remain in Mexico’ and ‘safe third country’ -- intended to stem migration by making it more difficult to apply for asylum in the United States -- do nothing to stem the violence, food insecurity, political unrest and lack of economic opportunity that are driving migrants.

“When the situation is desperate at home, many will not be deterred by tough policies and an uncertain future in potential destination states.”

“Tougher asylum policies also mean a larger percentage of people are likely to turn to smuggling groups with ties to organized crime to enter illegally, increasing the power and resources of criminal groups in the region and adding to regional violence and instability.

“Until underlying drivers of migration are addressed, migrants will continue to leave Honduras and neighboring El Salvador and Guatemala.”

Bio:

Sarah Bermeo, associate professor of public policy and political science, is the author of “Targeted Development: Industrialized Country Strategy in a Globalizing World,” and assistant director of the Duke Center for International Development. She researches relations between industrialized and developing nations, foreign aid, trade agreements and climate migration.
Archived podcast: Targeted Development: The U.S. and Foreign Aid.

For additional comment, contact Sarah Bermeo at
sarah.bermeo@duke.edu or via direct message on Twitter @SarahBBermeo

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Media Contact:
Karen Kemp
(919) 613-7394; kkemp@duke.edu