Publication

This paper contends that despite US President Trump’s suggestions to the contrary, Mexico is vigorously policing its southern border, stemming the northward flow of Central Americans escaping poverty and violence. Indeed, Mexico is deporting thousands, but many more are now stuck in the country’s south, leaving them vulnerable to crime and rising xenophobia. To reduce the threats to human security posed by the situation, the authors contend that 1) Mexico should stop using its migration policy as a bargaining chip in relations with the US, and focus instead on protecting migrants, fighting crime and promoting development; and 2) the US and the EU should work harder to protect migrants and foster economic development.