Vice President Kamala Harris hopes to address the root causes of migration, a politically fraught issue that's vexed several administrations
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris participates in a meeting with Guatemalan justice sector leaders at the Vice President's Ceremonial Office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building May 19, 2021 in Washington, DC. In the meeting, Vice President Harris discussed the importance of a just, transparent, and impartial legal system in Guatemala that allows Guatemalans to build a safer and better future.
Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador signaled support for the Biden administration's approach in virtual meetings with Harris earlier this year, but the contours of those agreements are still taking shape.Ariel Ruiz Soto, a policy analyst for the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, said that while he doesn't expect any significant compromises or agreements, the trip sets a new tone and serves as a symbolic gesture that the U.S.
Talks will center on economic development, climate and food insecurity and support for women and young people, she said.‘High-level chess’: How Biden is navigating his relationship with Mexico’s President ‘AMLO’Experts say conditions have dramatically shifted in the region, including a backslide in democracy, rule of law and human rights.
Adriana Beltrán, director of citizen security at the Washington Office on Latin America, said Harris needs to be "very clear" in addressing rule of law in Guatemala, including a controversial law targeting nongovernmental organizations as well as the recent decision by the country's Congress to refuse to swear in a judge – a prominent anti-corruption figure – to its Constitutional Court.
Administration officials have signaled that any money sent directly to Northern Triangle governments would be contingent on measures of anti-corruption and good governance. Experts say a similar strategy under the Obama administration allowed some aid to embolden corrupt governments rather than provide assistance to communities in need.
In a virtual meeting with Giammattei in April, Harris announced the U.S. would invest an additional $310 million in aid to tackle food shortages, natural disasters, the pandemic and other humanitarian issues eroding economic conditions in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. More recently, Harris unveiled commitments from 12 companies and organizations, including Microsoft and Mastercard, to invest in economic development in the Northern Triangle countries. The money will go toward job training programs, food assistance and aid for vulnerable populations like women, indigenous people and young people.
Giammattei said Thursday that Guatemala would receive half a million doses from the U.S., a move that some see as preempting Harris' discussions in Guatemala City, the nation's capital.Joe Biden’s immigration agenda overshadowed by migrant challenges in first 100 days
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why is Vice President Kamala Harris going to Guatemala and Mexico?We answer why Harris has made Guatemala and Mexico her destinations for her first trip out of the U.S. as vice president, and other questions posed by the two-day visit.
Read more »
Harris focuses on migration as she takes 1st foreign trip to Guatemala, MexicoVice President Kamala Harris embarks on her first foreign trip since taking office Sunday, heading south of the U.S. border to lead the administration’s efforts to stem the flow of migration from Central America. President Joe Biden assigned Harris to spearhead the effort in March when a record-breaking number of unaccompanied minors were crossing the southern border. At the time, Biden called Harris 'the most qualified' person to tackle the issue, with the role representing the first significant item in her portfolio.
Read more »
Kamala Harris flight to Guatemala forced to return to Maryland due to plane issueThe plane turned back roughly 30 minutes after takeoff and safely landed back at Joint Base Andrews around 3 p.m. ET.
Read more »
Mechanical trouble temporarily delays Harris' flight to GuatemalaMechanical issues on Air Force Two temporarily delayed Vice President Kamala Harris' flight to Guatemala on Sunday
Read more »
Opinion: What will VP Harris seek -- and find -- in Mexico?As Vice President Kamala Karris visits America's southern neighbor, questions linger about her agenda and how she'll navigate a tricky relationship with Mexico's controversial President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, writes JorgeGCastaneda for CNNOpinion
Read more »
Harris keeps goals modest for first foreign tripThe vice president is focused on in-person engagement when she visits Guatemala and Mexico, her first trip abroad since being inaugurated.
Read more »