Illegal immigration from Latin America to the United States is a major topic that generates much discussion and concern. Recently, a regional summit was held in Mexico bringing together several Latin American leaders, including the presidents of Cuba, Venezuela and Colombia, to discuss this issue and to call on “destination countries” to review their migration policies.
The joint declaration resulting from this summit highlights the need for destination countries, mainly the United States, to abandon their “inconsistent and selective” migration policies in order to prevent deterrent and dissuasive effects, and to allow Expanding regular, orderly and safe pathways for migration. The participating countries also call for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures imposed on certain countries in the region, referring to the American blockade against Cuba.
This meeting highlights the growing importance of the migration issue in Latin America, as well as the challenges facing countries in the region. The U.S.-Mexico border has become the deadliest land migration route in the world, with hundreds of migrant deaths and disappearances each year. Migrants take great risks by paying huge sums to smugglers, and often find themselves victims of drug traffickers.
Beyond security issues, this Palenque summit also recalls the importance of solidarity and cooperation between countries to deal with this migration crisis. Participants called for supporting Haiti in its political, economic and social stabilization efforts, and stressed the need to put in place migration policies that respect the human right to migrate and offer options for permanent regularization.
This summit, although symbolic, highlights the complex issues of illegal immigration in Latin America and the need for a concerted and humane approach to confront this problem. It also recalls the importance of investigating the root causes of human mobility, such as poverty and inequality, in order to provide lasting solutions.
In conclusion, illegal immigration from Latin America to the United States remains a major challenge for the region and requires a global and united approach. Destination countries, notably the United States, are called upon to review their migration policies to promote regular, orderly and safe pathways for migration. Cooperation between countries and the search for the root causes of this human mobility are essential to provide lasting solutions to this problem.