Multiple Effects of Central American Remittances on Mexico

Remittances by migrants have a huge impact on the individuals, countries, social and financial circuits involved. The case of Mexico is a special one, given that it is a gateway to the United States for Mexican and Latin American immigrants in general. Mexicans aside, the majority of Latin American migrants who attempt to enter the United States come from Central America and to do so they must cross Mexico. According to the author, their numbers are increasing and most try to enter the country illegally. On their journey through Mexico, they require cash for a series of expenses, some legitimate, such as food, transport, accommodation and medicines, others not so legitimate, such as bribes and other illicit activities. Since it is too risky to carry cash with them, an increasing number of Central Americans have resorted to electronic transfers sent by relatives who have already reached the United States or, to a lesser extent,partial deposits at different points on their journey to the United States has greatly facilitated matters for migrants. This market has been tapped into by two large consortia that send and receive remittances and that have opened branches along the major routes used by immigrants: Elektra-Western Union and Western Union in association with a major Mexican banking network. The latter is not popular among Central Americans, because the presence of security guards at bank branches is a deterrent to illegal immigrants, who are often the victims of abuse and theft. Rodolfo Casillas then goes on to analyze the socio-economic conditions that force these migrants to leave their countries of origin. He concludes by acknowledging that it is virtually impossible to stop the flow of Central American migrants through Mexico. On the contrary, their numbers look set to increase, but we should at least be aware of the facts and have complete, reliable statistics at hand that enable us to gauge the severity of the situation, so we can implement effective measures in years to come. by relatives in their countries of origin. Being able to receive partial deposits at different points on their journey to the United States has greatly facilitated matters for migrants. This market has been tapped into by two large consortia that send and receive remittances and that have opened branches along the major routes used by immigrants: Elektra-Western Union and Western Union in association with a major Mexican banking network. The latter is not popular among Central Americans, because the presence of security guards at bank branches is a deterrent to illegal immigrants, who are often the victims of abuse and theft. Rodolfo Casillas then goes on to analyze the socio-economic conditions that force these migrants to leave their countries of origin. He concludes by acknowledging that it is virtually impossible to stop the flow of Central American migrants through Mexico. On the contrary, their numbers look set to increase, but we should at least be aware of the facts and have complete, reliable statistics at hand that enable us to gauge the severity of the situation, so we can implement effective measures in years to come.