Central America Forward is a partnership between the White House, the U.S. Department of State, and companies, educational institutions, and nonprofit groups.
Focus On El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
Improving job opportunities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras is a fundamental component of the Biden administration’s handling of the southern border crisis, with the hopes that those living in these countries will be less inclined to travel north—with many embarking on dangerous and life-threatening journeys—and attempt to cross over the southern border illegally if the path to a promising, comfortable, and safe life is available in their home countries.Harris, appointed by Joe Biden early in his administration as his border czar, leads Central America Forward, which had its start in December 2021 with an initial investment of $1.2 billion from the private sector.
Plan For Economic Development
At the Feb. 6 event, Harris reported a new pledge of $950 million, which brings the total committed to Central American Forward to $4.2 billion.“Today, we will launch the next steps in our efforts, in the next phase in our efforts,” said Harris. “Early on in our administration, President Biden asked me to lead the U.S. government’s focus on addressing the root causes of migration, in particular Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.”
Harris said her approach to the task was “guided by three principles.”
She continued, “One, I do, and I think we all believe that people generally do not want to leave home. And when they do, it is because they are either fleeing some harm or because staying home will mean that they cannot satisfy the basic needs of their family and themselves.
“Two, we believe and are guided by the principle that governments must collaborate to manage migration—and that means through bilateral, trilateral, multilateral relationships and dialogue. But also, what we must do to address the issue requires that we partner with the private sector if we are to have a lasting impact or even a profound impact.
“Three, to effectively address the root causes of migration, we must also, and this is absolutely a guiding principle, promote good governance, reduce violence, and empower women.”
Ajay Banga of Partnership For Central America also spoke and said that those organizations forming the Partnership For Central America are all “committed to advancing job creation opportunities, but also to creating the enabling environment necessary to support those jobs in a smart and sustainable way in El Salvador, in Guatemala, and in Honduras.”