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Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [Updated January 22, 2019]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, based on diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than three decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with particular current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2019-01-22
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Recent Migration to the United States from Central America: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated January 29, 2019]
From the Document: "Over the last decade, migration to the United States from Central America--in particular from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (known collectively as the Northern Triangle)--has increased considerably. Families migrating from this region, many seeking asylum, have made up an increasing share of the migrants seeking admission to the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border. In the past year, news reports of migrant 'caravans' from the Northern Triangle traveling toward the United States have sparked intense interest and questions from Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wilson, Jill, 1974-; Bruno, Andorra; Elsea, Jennifer K. . . .
2019-01-29
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Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance and the Crisis in Venezuela [May 14, 2019]
From the Document: "Recent press reports suggest that the Trump Administration and some Latin American governments have discussed invoking the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty) to facilitate a collective response to the crisis in Venezuela. Doing so could provide a basis for multilateral intervention, but it is unclear if parties to the treaty ('states parties') would support such an effort. Congress may assess the implications of invoking the treaty as it considers legislative initiatives to require, authorize, or constrain certain Administration actions regarding Venezuela (such as H.R. 920, H.R. 1477, S. 1025, H.R. 1004, and S.J.Res. 11)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-05-14
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Honduras: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated July 22, 2019]
From the Summary: "Honduras, a Central American nation of 9.1 million people, has had close ties with the United States for many years. The country served as a base for U.S. operations designed to counter Soviet influence in Central America during the 1980s, and it continues to host a U.S. military presence and cooperate on antidrug efforts today. Trade and investment linkages are also longstanding and have grown stronger since the implementation of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) in 2006. In recent years, instability in Honduras--including a 2009 coup and significant outflows of migrants and asylum-seekers since 2014--has led U.S. policymakers to focus greater attention on conditions in the country and their implications for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-07-22
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Honduras: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 4, 2019]
From the Document: "Honduras, a Central American nation of 9.1 million people, has had close ties with the United States for many years. The country served as a base for U.S. operations designed to counter Soviet influence in Central America during the 1980s, and it continues to host a U.S. military presence and cooperate on antidrug efforts today. Trade and investment linkages are also longstanding and have grown stronger since the implementation of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) in 2006. In recent years, instability in Honduras--including a 2009 coup and significant outflows of migrants and asylum-seekers since 2014--has led U.S. policymakers to focus greater attention on conditions in the country and their implications for the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-06-04
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Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy [Updated June 13, 2019]
From the Document: "According to estimates from the digital publication 'Lawfare', approximately 265,000 people, on average, have left the Northern Triangle region of Central America (composed of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) in each of the past five years, with the majority bound for the United States. More than twice as many people may leave the region this year, however, as an estimated 508,000 Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Hondurans left their homes and headed north during the first eight months of FY2019. Although total U.S. apprehensions of unauthorized migrants had been near historic lows in recent years, the arrival at the Southwest border of a growing number of Central American families and children, many of whom are seeking asylum, reportedly has strained the U.S. immigration system. Congress has sought to understand and address the root causes of these migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-06-13
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Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance and the Crisis in Venezuela [Updated September 13, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 11, 2019, the United States and 11 other Western Hemisphere nations invoked the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty) to facilitate a regional response to the crisis in Venezuela. Foreign ministers from the countries that have ratified the treaty ('states parties') are to convene in the coming weeks to discuss a range of options that could include the suspension of diplomatic and consular relations, the imposition of economic sanctions, or the use of armed force. Congress may closely track the deliberations, given their potential implications for U.S. policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-09-13
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Canada's October 2019 Elections [October 11, 2019]
From the Document: "Canada is to hold parliamentary elections on October 21, 2019. Polls suggest a close race, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party struggling to hold onto the majority they won in 2015. The outcome of the election could have implications for the United States, which is closely bound to Canada by a 5,500-mile border, extensive commercial ties, and mutual defense commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2019-10-11
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Fire and Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon [September 9, 2019]
From the Document: "Media coverage of fires in the Brazilian Amazon forest is widespread. According to stakeholders, this media coverage is largely due to an increase in fire events and deforestation rates in the region this year compared to the past years, as well as statements made by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro indicating his intent to pursue development in the region. [...] The Amazon is estimated to contain one-half of all global terrestrial carbon in tropical forests and consists of approximately 40% of all remaining tropical rainforests, according to scientific studies. The fate of the Amazon is a concern for many because of the biodiversity it hosts, its role in the global carbon cycle, and its effect on regional climate. Some scientists claim that 20%-25% deforestation in the Amazon can cause it to shift to a nonforest ecosystem, exacerbating the concerns above."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sheikh, Pervaze A.; Meyer, Peter J.; Procita, Kezee . . .
2019-09-09
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Uruguay: An Overview [Updated October 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Uruguay, a small nation of 3.5 million people, is located on the Atlantic coast of South America between Brazil and Argentina. The country stands out in Latin America for its strong democratic institutions; high per capita income; and low levels of corruption, poverty, and inequality. Due to its domestic success and commitment to international engagement, Uruguay plays a more influential role in global affairs than its size might suggest. Successive U.S. Administrations have sought to work with Uruguay to address political and security challenges in the Western Hemisphere and around the world."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-10-24
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Chile: An Overview [Updated January 2, 2020]
From the Document: "Chile, a nation of 19.1 million people, is located along the Pacific coast of South America. Chile traditionally has been one of the United States' strongest partners in Latin America due to the countries' common commitments to democracy, human rights, and free trade. Chile also has worked with the United States to promote peace and stability in the Western Hemisphere, as Chile's transition to a higher level of economic development has enabled it to take on additional regional responsibilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2020-01-02
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated March 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with particular current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2020-03-10
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Uruguay's 2019 Elections [December 9, 2019]
From the Document: "On November 24, 2019, Uruguayans narrowly elected Luis Lacalle Pou of the center-right National Party in a presidential runoff election. Lacalle Pou's inauguration, scheduled for March 1, 2020, will end the center-left Broad Front coalition's 15-year hold on power and could usher in several changes to Uruguay's economic and security policies. The new government is also likely to align more closely with the United States on some foreign policy issues, such as efforts, supported by Congress, to facilitate the restoration of democracy in Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Benoit, Angel Carrasquillo
2019-12-09
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Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance and the Crisis in Venezuela [Updated December 11, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 11, 2019, the United States and 11 other Western Hemisphere countries invoked the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty) to facilitate a regional response to the crisis in Venezuela. As a first step, on September 23, 2019, the countries that have ratified the treaty ('states parties') agreed to identify, prosecute, and freeze the assets of certain individuals and entities associated with the government of Nicolás Maduro. On December 3, 2019, the states parties approved an initial list of 29 individuals alleged to have engaged in corruption and/or human rights abuses, who are subject to the September 23 sanctions and to entry and transit restrictions. The states parties agreed to meet again in the first quarter of 2020. Congress may track the ongoing deliberations, given their potential implications for U.S. policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-12-11
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Corruption in Honduras: End of the Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) [January 23, 2020]
From the Document: "On January 19, 2020, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández allowed the mandate of the Organization of American States (OAS)-backed Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) to expire. The U.S. Congress had provided significant financial and political support for the MACCIH throughout its four-year mandate as the mission helped Honduran institutions deter and investigate high-level corruption. A bipartisan group of Members had also repeatedly called on President Hernández to extend the mission's mandate. The MACCIH's closure could negatively affect U.S. policy in Honduras, including efforts to address the underlying conditions driving high levels of irregular migration to the United States. More broadly, the closure may illustrate the challenges surrounding efforts to sustain anti-corruption measures in other countries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2020-01-23
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Canada's October 2019 Elections [Updated October 17, 2019]
From the Document: "Canada is to hold parliamentary elections on October 21, 2019. Polls suggest a close race, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party struggling to hold onto the majority they won in 2015. The outcome of the election could have implications for the United States, which is closely bound to Canada by a 5,500-mile border, extensive commercial ties, and mutual defense commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2019-10-17
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Brazil: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated February 24, 2020]
From the Introduction: "As the fifth-largest country and the ninth-largest economy in the world, Brazil plays an important role in global governance (see Figure 1 for a map of Brazil). Over the past 20 years, Brazil has forged coalitions with other large, developing countries to push for changes to multilateral institutions and to ensure that global agreements on issues ranging from trade to climate change adequately protect their interests. Brazil also has taken on a greater role in promoting peace and stability, contributing to U.N. peacekeeping missions and mediating conflicts in South America and further afield. Although recent domestic challenges have led Brazil to turn inward and weakened its appeal globally, the country continues to exert considerable influence on international policy issues that affect the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2020-02-24
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated April 15, 2021]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean. As of April 14, 2021, the region had almost 26.7million confirmed cases(19.3% of cases worldwide) and over 846,000 deaths(28.4% of deaths worldwide). Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru had the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil and Mexico had highest death tolls worldwide after the United States. The regional rankings change when examining deaths per 100,000 population--using this measurement, Peru had the highest rate in the region, followed by Brazil, Mexico, Panama, and Colombia. A University of Washington COVID-19 projection model (updated April 8, 2021) forecast deaths in the region could reach 1.2 million by August 1, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2021-04-15
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Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy [Updated April 22, 2021]
From the Document: "According to a model developed by academics at the University of Texas at Austin, an estimated 311,000 people, on average, left the Northern Triangle region of Central America annually from FY2014 to FY2020, with the majority bound for the United States. Flows have varied from year to year, however, with an estimated 709,000 people leaving the region in FY2019 followed by an estimated 139,000 people leaving the region in FY2020. Surveys conducted in 2020 found that many potential migrants in the region had postponed their plans in the midst of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic but intended to undertake their journeys once governments lifted cross-border travel restrictions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2021-04-22
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Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance and the Crisis in Venezuela [Updated October 3, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 11, 2019, the United States and 11 other Western Hemisphere countries invoked the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty) to facilitate a regional response to the crisis in Venezuela. As a first step, on September 23, the countries that have ratified the treaty ('states parties') agreed to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the government of Nicolás Maduro. They also pledged to meet again within two months to discuss additional measures. Congress may closely track the deliberations, given their potential implications for U.S. policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-10-03
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Chile: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [January 10, 2014]
"Chile has maintained friendly relations with the United States since its transition back to civilian democratic rule in 1990. The Obama Administration has sought to build on these traditionally close ties and encourage Chile's leadership in the Western Hemisphere. Bilateral commercial relations are particularly strong; total trade in goods and services has nearly tripled since the implementation of a free trade agreement in 2004. Additional areas of cooperation include supporting regional stability and promoting clean energy development. [...] Congress has expressed interest in a variety of issues in U.S.-Chilean relations over the years. The 113th Congress could take up matters such as the U.S.-Chile bilateral income tax treaty, which was signed in 2010 and was submitted to the U.S. Senate for ratification on May 17, 2012 (Treaty Doc. 112-8). Ongoing negotiations over the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, which includes Chile, the United States, and at least 10 other nations in the Asia- Pacific region, may also attract congressional attention."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2014-01-10
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: Trends and FY2017 Appropriations [February 8, 2017]
"Geographic proximity has forged strong linkages between the United States and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, with U.S. interests encompassing economic, political, and security concerns. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to advancing democracy and open markets since the 1990s. During the Obama Administration, U.S. policy toward the region chiefly sought to strengthen democratic governance, defend human rights, improve citizen security, enhance social inclusion and economic prosperity, and foster clean energy development and resiliency to climate change. The United States has provided foreign assistance to the region to advance those priorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2017-02-08
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Unaccompanied Children from Central America: Foreign Policy Considerations [April 11, 2016]
"Since FY2011, the number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) traveling to the United States from the 'northern triangle' nations of Central America--El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras--has increased sharply. U.S. authorities encountered more than 52,000 unaccompanied minors from the region at the U.S. border in FY2014, a more than 1,200% increase compared to FY2011. This unexpected surge of children strained U.S. government resources and created a complex crisis with humanitarian implications. U.S. apprehensions of unaccompanied minors from the northern triangle declined by 45% in FY2015. They increased in the first five months of FY2016, however, and experts warn that significant migration flows will continue until policymakers in the countries of origin and the international community address the poor socioeconomic and security conditions driving Central Americans to leave their homes. The 2014 migration crisis led to renewed focus on Central America, a region with which the United States historically has shared close political, economic, and cultural ties. The United States engages with Central American countries through a variety of mechanisms, including a security assistance package known as the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Over the past two years, the Obama Administration has sought closer cooperation with Central American governments to dissuade children from making the journey to the United States, target smuggling networks, and repatriate unauthorized migrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Margesson, Rhoda; Seelke, Clare Ribando . . .
2016-04-11
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: Trends and FY2017 Appropriations [October 6, 2016]
"Geographic proximity has forged strong linkages between the United States and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, with U.S. interests encompassing economic, political, and security concerns. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to advancing democracy and open markets since the 1990s. Current U.S. policy toward the region chiefly seeks to strengthen democratic governance, defend human rights, improve citizen security, enhance social inclusion and economic prosperity, and foster clean energy development and resiliency to climate change. The United States provides foreign assistance to the region to advance these priorities. Since 1946, the United States has provided nearly $165 billion of assistance to the region in constant 2014 dollars (or more than $79 billion in historical, non-inflation-adjusted dollars). Funding levels have fluctuated over time, however, according to regional trends and U.S. policy initiatives. […] The Administration's FY2017 foreign aid request would provide $1.7 billion to the region through the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). […] The request would provide additional development assistance to Central American nations to address the root causes of emigration from the subregion. The request also would increase assistance for Colombia to help end its internal conflict. Conversely, the request would reduce funding for U.S. security initiatives in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. […] The total amount of assistance the measures would provide to Latin America and the Caribbean is unclear because the bills and their accompanying reports (S.Rept. 114-290 and H.Rept. 114-693) do not specify appropriations levels for every country and program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2016-10-06
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: FY2019 Appropriations [March 1, 2019]
From the Document, "The United States provides foreign assistance to Latin American and Caribbean nations to support development and other U.S. objectives. U.S. policymakers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to promoting democracy and open markets since the 1990s. The Trump Administration has sought to reduce foreign aid significantly and refocus U.S. assistance efforts in the region to address U.S. domestic concerns, such as irregular migration and transnational crime."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-03-01
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U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America: Policy Issues for Congress [April 12, 2017]
"Central America has received renewed attention from U.S. policymakers over the past few years as the region has become a major transit corridor for illicit drugs and a significant source of irregular migration to the United States. These narcotics and migrant flows are the latest symptoms of deep-rooted challenges in several countries in the region, including widespread insecurity, fragile political and judicial systems, and high levels of poverty and unemployment. Although the Obama Administration and governments in the region launched new initiatives designed to improve conditions in Central America, the future of those efforts will depend on the decisions of the Trump Administration and the 115th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2017-04-12
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U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America: Policy Issues for Congress [Updated November 12, 2019]
From the Summary: "Central America has received renewed attention from U.S. policymakers over the past few years as the region has remained a major transit corridor for illicit drugs and has surpassed Mexico as the largest source of irregular migration to the United States. These narcotics and migrant flows are the latest symptoms of deep-rooted challenges in several countries in the region, including widespread insecurity, fragile political and judicial systems, and high levels of poverty and unemployment. The U.S. government has worked more closely with partners in Central America to address those challenges since 2014, making some tentative progress. The region is now at serious risk of backsliding, however, as the Trump Administration has begun to withdraw U.S. diplomatic pressure and foreign aid while some Central American officials have begun to undermine anti-corruption campaigns and other structural reforms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-11-12
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U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America: Policy Issues for Congress [June 8, 2017]
"Central America has received renewed attention from U.S. policymakers over the past few years as the region has become a major transit corridor for illicit drugs and a significant source of irregular migration to the United States. These narcotics and migrant flows are the latest symptoms of deep-rooted challenges in several countries in the region, including widespread insecurity, fragile political and judicial systems, and high levels of poverty and unemployment. Although the Obama Administration and governments in the region launched new initiatives designed to improve conditions in Central America, the future of those efforts will depend on the decisions of the Trump Administration and the 115th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2017-06-08
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U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America: Policy Issues for Congress [January 8, 2019]
"Central America has received renewed attention from U.S. policymakers over the past few years as the region has become a major transit corridor for illicit drugs and has surpassed Mexico as the largest source of irregular migration to the United States. These narcotics and migrant flows are the latest symptoms of deep-rooted challenges in several countries in the region, including widespread insecurity, fragile political and judicial systems, and high levels of poverty and unemployment. The U.S. government and partners in the region have begun to implement new initiatives intended to address those challenges, but living conditions in Central America have yet to improve significantly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2019-01-08
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U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean: Recent Trends and FY2015 Appropriations [September 10, 2014]
"Geographic proximity has forged strong linkages between the United States and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, with critical U.S. interests encompassing economic, political, and security concerns. U.S. policy makers have emphasized different strategic interests in the region at different times, from combating Soviet influence during the Cold War to advancing democracy and open markets since the 1990s. Current U.S. policy is designed to promote economic and social opportunity, ensure citizen security, strengthen effective democratic institutions, and secure a clean energy future. As part of broader efforts to advance these priorities, the United States provides Latin American and Caribbean nations with substantial amounts of foreign assistance.[...] This report, which will be updated to track legislative developments, provides an overview of U.S. assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean. It examines historical and recent trends in aid to the region as well as the Obama Administration's FY2015 request for State Department and U.S Agency for International Development (USAID)-administered assistance. It also tracks
congressional action on foreign aid appropriations for Latin America and the Caribbean in FY2015, and raises questions Congress may consider as it appropriates funding for the region."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.
2014-09-10
