Description
Migrant caravans that began in 2018 from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador (Northern Triangle) to the United States are a complex and pressing issue. This paper examines the multifaceted factors driving migration flows in the Northern Triangle, including violence, economic hardship, and political instability from 2018 to 2025. It examines the challenges migrants face, including human rights abuses, exploitation, and the risks associated with irregular migration. Additionally, it explores the U.S.’s shifting immigration policies and their broader implications for migrants and regional stability. Mexico has also faced many challenges due to the increased flow of migrants through its territory, where approximately 400,000 to 500,000 migrants traverse yearly. For example, in 2023, Mexico received 140,000 asylum requests. Responding to pressure placed by the U.S., Mexico has implemented measures to stop migrants from crossing the southern border with limited success. Since Mexico does not have the infrastructure required to attend to migrants' needs, many people are left vulnerable to organized crime and human trafficking. International Organizations and Non-governmental organizations have responded to the crisis by assisting migrants with their paperwork, enabling them to stay in Mexico or apply for asylum in the U.S. They have also helped migrants return to their home country if they can determine that their safety is no longer in jeopardy. However, they face significant challenges in attending to the needs of the migrant population in Mexico amid ongoing policy changes. This paper analyzes the challenges faced and successes achieved by International organizations and NGOs during the 2018-2025 time period.
