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Mexico's Drug Cartels [October 16, 2007]
"Mexico, a major drug producing and transit country, is the main foreign supplier of marijuana and a major supplier of methamphetamine to the United States. Although Mexico accounts for only a small share of worldwide heroin production, it supplies a large share of heroin consumed in the United States. An estimated 90% of cocaine entering the United States transits Mexico. Violence in the border region has affected U.S. citizens. More than 60 Americans have been kidnaped in Nuevo Laredo, and in July 2007, Mexican drug cartels reportedly threatened to kill a U.S. journalist covering drug violence in the border region. The United States and Mexico are reportedly negotiating a new counternarcotics initiative. This report provides an overview of: Mexican cartels and their operations, including the nature of cartel ties to gangs such as the Mara Salvatrucha; Mexican cartel drug production in the United States; and the presence of Mexican cartel cells in the United States. Mexican cartels allegedly have used their vast financial resources to corrupt Mexican public officials who either turn a blind eye to cartel activities or work directly for them. Since 2005, the Mexican government has made numerous efforts to purge corrupt police. In December 2006, President Felipe Calderon launched operations against the cartels in 9 of Mexico's 32 states. He has pledged to use extradition as a tool against drug traffickers, and sent 64 criminals to the United States as of August 2007, including the alleged head of the Gulf Cartel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Colleen W.
2007-10-16
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El Salvador: Political, Economic, and Social Conditions and Relations with the United States [January 3, 2007]
"Tony Saca, a businessman from the conservative National Republican Alliance (ARENA) party, was inaugurated for a five-year presidential term in June 2004. President Saca is seeking to promote trade-led economic growth, combat gang violence, and improve El Salvador's public finances. His ARENA party is the largest party in the legislature but lacks a majority and generally relies on support from small parties to enact legislation. Saca's agenda is facing continued opposition from the leftist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), the second largest party in the legislature. In 2006, despite tough anti-crime legislation, there were reportedly 3,671 homicides in El Salvador, the same as in 2005. In February 2006, the Bush Administration extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of eligible Salvadoran migrants living in the United States until September 9, 2007. On March 1, 2006, El Salvador became the first country in the region to implement the Dominican Republic- Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). In late November 2006, El Salvador signed a five-year, $461 million compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation for development of its impoverished northern border region. This report will be updated periodically."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2007-01-03
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El Salvador: Political, Economic, and Social Conditions and Relations with the United States [January 13, 2005]
"Tony Saca, a businessman from the conservative National Republican Alliance (ARENA) party, was inaugurated as president for a five-year term in June 2004. President Saca faces the challenges of restarting a stagnating economy, passing legislation in a polarized political environment, and combating gang violence. Although 70% of Salvadorans approve of his overall job performance, a majority disprove of his decision to maintain a contingent of 380 Salvadoran soldiers in Iraq. The United States is working with President Saca to combat narco-trafficking, to resolve immigration issues, and to promote free trade, possibly through the proposed United States- Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). On December 17, 2004, El Salvador became the first country in Central America to ratify DR-CAFTA. On January 6, 2005, the U.S. government extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of undocumented Salvadoran migrants living in the United States until September 9, 2006. This report will be updated as events warrant. For further information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32322, 'Central America and the Dominican Republic in the Context of the Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) with the United States.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2005-01-13
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El Salvador: Political, Economic, and Social Conditions and Relations with the United States [Updated May 3, 2005]
"Tony Saca, a businessman from the conservative National Republican Alliance (ARENA) party, was inaugurated as president for a five-year term in June 2004. President Saca faces the challenges of restarting a stagnating economy, passing legislation in a polarized political environment, and combating gang violence. Although 54% of Salvadorans approve of his overall job performance, a majority disprove of his decision to maintain a contingent of 380 Salvadoran soldiers in Iraq. The United States is working with President Saca to combat narco-trafficking, to resolve immigration issues, and to promote free trade, possibly through the proposed United States- Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). On December 17, 2004, El Salvador became the first country in Central America to ratify DR-CAFTA. On January 6, 2005, the U.S. government extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of undocumented Salvadoran migrants living in the United States until September 9, 2006. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2005-05-03
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Unaccompanied Alien Children: Potential Factors Contributing to Recent Immigration [July 3, 2014]
"Since FY2008, the growth in the number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras seeking to enter the United States has increased substantially. Total unaccompanied child apprehensions increased from about 8,000 in FY2008 to 52,000 in the first 8 ½ months of FY2014. Since 2012, children from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (Central America's 'northern triangle') account for almost all of this increase. Apprehension trends for these three countries are similar and diverge sharply from those for Mexican children. Unaccompanied child migrants' motives for migrating to the United States are often multifaceted and difficult to measure analytically. Four recent out-migration-related factors distinguishing northern triangle Central American countries are high violent crime rates, poor economic conditions fueled by relatively low economic growth rates, high rates of poverty, and the presence of transnational gangs. In 2012, the homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants stood at 90.4 in Honduras (the highest in the world), 41.2 in El Salvador, and 39.9 in Guatemala. International Monetary Fund reports show economic growth rates in the northern triangle countries in 2013 ranging from 1.6% to 3.5%, relatively low compared with other Central American countries. About 45% of Salvadorans, 55% of Guatemalans, and 67% of Hondurans live in poverty. Surveys in 2013 indicate that almost half of all unaccompanied children experienced serious harm or threats by organized criminal groups or state actors, and one-fifth experienced domestic abuse."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kandel, William; Bruno, Andorra; Meyer, Peter J. . . .
2014-07-03
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Vulnerable Youth: Federal Mentoring Programs and Issues [October 22, 2015]
From the Introduction: "Since the mid-1990s, Congress has supported legislation to establish structured mentoring programs for the most vulnerable youth. The Department of Justice's Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP), the first such program, was implemented in 1994 to provide mentoring services for at-risk youth ages 5 to 20. The purpose of contemporary, structured mentoring programs is to reduce risks by supplementing (but not supplanting) a youth's relationship with his or her parents. Some of these programs have broad youth development goals while others focus more narrowly on a particular outcome such as reducing gang activity or substance abuse, or improving grades. Research has shown that mentoring programs have been associated with some positive youth outcomes, but that the long-term effects of mentoring on particular outcomes and the ability for mentored youth to sustain gains over time are less certain. […] This report begins with an overview of the purpose of mentoring, including a brief discussion on research of structured mentoring programs. The report then describes the evolution of federal policies on mentoring since the early 1990s. The report provides an overview of the federal mentoring initiatives that are currently funded. Note that additional federal programs and policies authorize funding for mentoring activities, among multiple other activities and services. These programs are not discussed in this report. The report concludes with an overview of issues that may be of interest to Congress. These issues include the limitations of research on outcomes for mentored youth, the potential need for additional mentors, grantees' challenges in sustaining funding, and the possible discontinuation of federal mentoring funding."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.
2015-10-22
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Mérida Initiative for Mexico and Central America: Funding and Policy Issues [Updated July 6, 2009]
"In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative, a three-year program of U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America to combat drug trafficking, gangs,andorganizedcrime. Named for the location of a March 2007 meeting between
Presidents George W. Bush and Felipe Calderón of Mexico, the Mérida Initiative seeks to expand bilateral and regional anticrime and counterdrug cooperation. In June 2008, the 110th Congress appropriated $465 million in supplemental assistance for Mexico, Central America, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic in the FY2008 Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-252). On December 3, 2008, the United States and Mexico signed a Letter of Agreement, allowing $197 million in Mérida funds to be disbursed. In the first six months of 2009, the Central American countries all signed Letters of Agreement with the United States. The Bush Administration requested a second installment of Mérida funding-$450 million for Mexico and $100 million for Central America-in its FY2009 budget request. Congress did not include Mérida Initiative funding in a continuing resolution because the initial pot of Mérida funding was provided through a supplemental assistance measure. For this reason, it was taken up early in the first session of the 111th Congress in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (P.L. 111- 8) signed into law in March 2009 and Mexico, Central America, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic received a total of $410 million. [...] This report provides an overview and discussion of the funding provided for Mérida, and presents several issues that Congress may consider as it oversees implementation of the Initiative and shapes its future direction."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2009-07-06
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El Salvador: Background and U.S. Relations [November 20, 2018]
"El Salvador continues to face serious governance, security, and economic issues, many of which are interrelated. Deep scars and political polarization remain evident in El Salvador today from a war that resulted in significant human rights violations, more than 70,000 deaths, and massive emigration to the United States. Tension between the FMLN [Farabundo Marti Liberation Front] government and the ARENA [National Republican Alliance] - dominated legislature has hindered efforts to address fiscal and security challenges. Insecurity and poverty have fueled unauthorized emigration. With both the FMLN and ARENA tarnished by revelations of corruption by former presidents, the leading candidate in the February 3, 2019, presidential contest is Nayib Bukele, a 37-year-old who left the FMLN and is running for the Grand Alliance for National Unity (GANA) party (see 'February 2018 Presidential Election'). This report examines political, economic, security, and human rights conditions in El Salvador. It then analyzes selected issues in U.S. - Salvadoran relations that have been of particular interest to Congress, including foreign assistance, migration, security cooperation in addressing gangs and counter narcotics issues, human rights, and trade."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2018-11-20
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Why is Violence Rebounding in Mexico? [November 8, 2017]
"Mexico's transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) have for years been identified as the greatest organized crime threat to the United States given their strong links to drug trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes. These organizations also generate extreme violence within Mexico, where they exercise territorial influence in large swaths of the country near illicit drug production hubs and trafficking routes and particularly where the TCOs clash to assert or maintain dominance. Between 2008 and 2016, Mexico's homicide rate increased from 8 per 100,000 residents to 16.2 per 100,000. [...] In 2017, homicides have continued to spiral upward. Preliminary statistics for January through September show an increase of 20% to 30% over 2016. If this trend continues, Mexico will end the year with a homicide rate above 18 per 100,000, which would make 2017 its most violent year on record. A number of factors may be driving this spike in violence, including continuing fragmentation of the Sinaloa Cartel, competition to meet the burgeoning U.S. heroin demand, and ineffective law enforcement efforts against TCOs, such as the removal of key crime kingpins. [...] As drug-related crime began to climb in 2007, and drug gangs battled Mexican security forces and one another with increasing brutality, some strategies adopted by the Mexican government have not proven effective at least on a sustainable basis. [...] Some analysts are concerned that successful bilateral security cooperation, including extradition of criminals wanted on charges in the United States, may diminish due to tensions rising in other aspects of U.S.-Mexican relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Beittel, June S.
2017-11-08
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Heroin Trafficking in the United States [December 11, 2018]
"Over the past several years, the nation has seen an uptick in the use and abuse of opioids--both prescription opioids and non-prescription opioids such as heroin. In 2016, there were an estimated 948,000 individuals (0.4% of the 12 and older population) who reported using heroin within the past year--up from 0.2% to 0.3% of this population reporting use in the previous decade. In addition to an increase in heroin use over the past several years, there has been a simultaneous increase in its availability in the United States. The increase in availability has been fueled by a number of factors, including increased production and trafficking of heroin--principally by Mexican criminal networks. Mexican transnational criminal organizations are the major suppliers and key producers of most illegal drugs smuggled into the United States. They have been increasing their share of the U.S. drug market--particularly with respect to heroin--even though the United States still receives some heroin from South America and, to a lesser extent, Southwest Asia. To facilitate the distribution and sale of drugs in the United States, Mexican drug traffickers have formed relationships with U.S. gangs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin
2018-12-11
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Heroin Trafficking in the United States [Updated February 14, 2019]
"Over the past several years, the nation has seen an uptick in the use and abuse of opioids--both prescription opioids and non-prescription opioids such as heroin. In 2016, there were an estimated 948,000 individuals (0.4% of the 12 and older population) who reported using heroin within the past year--up from 0.2% to 0.3% of this population reporting use in the previous decade. In addition to an increase in heroin use over the past several years, there has been a simultaneous increase in its availability in the United States. The increase in availability has been fueled by a number of factors, including increased production and trafficking of heroin--principally by Mexican criminal networks. Mexican transnational criminal organizations are the major suppliers and key producers of most illegal drugs smuggled into the United States. They have been increasing their share of the U.S. drug market--particularly with respect to heroin--even though the United States still receives some heroin from South America and, to a lesser extent, Southwest Asia. To facilitate the distribution and sale of drugs in the United States, Mexican drug traffickers have formed relationships with U.S. gangs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin
2019-02-14
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Crime Analysis Assessment Summary
From the Introduction: "The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program provides an innovative framework for the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to enhance its support of state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors in the investigation, prosecution, and deterrence of violent crime, especially crime related to gun violence, gangs, and drug trafficking. Departments and agencies interested in improving their violent crime reduction capacity participate in BJA-sponsored reviews of departmental functions (crime analysis, grants landscape, investigative, technology, etc.) to develop a baseline understanding of their challenges and areas for growth. The crime analysis assessment helps agencies evaluate their capabilities and capacity to analyze and use data to make informed decisions, respond effectively, and prevent crime. The assessment also identifies the various crime analysis training and technical assistance (TTA) opportunities to support agencies in building and enhancing their crime analysis capacities. Nine medium- to large-sized law enforcement agencies across the South, Midwest, and West have completed crime analysis assessments, allowing an opportunity to identify and share common themes, technical gaps, and recommendations found across law enforcement agencies nationwide."
National Public Safety Partnership; United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance
2020-10?
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated May 1, 2009]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since 1994, trade between the countries has more than quadrupled. Bilateral relations are close, and characterized by extensive commercial and cultural ties and cooperation on a range of bilateral and international issues. A current trade dispute with the United States involves the implementation of NAFTA trucking provisions. In March 2009, Congress terminated a pilot-project for Mexican-registered trucks to operate beyond the 25-mile border commercial zone with the United States, and Mexico responded by imposing import tariffs on over 90 U.S. agricultural and industrial products. Drug trafficking issues are prominent in relations since Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana. Shortly after taking office in December 2006, President Felipe Calderón launched operations against Mexican drug trafficking organizations. […]. U.S.-Mexican cooperation on drug trafficking has intensified over the past several years, and both countries announced the Mérida Initiative in October 2007 to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. […]. The 111th Congress is maintaining an active interest in Mexico with myriad counternarcotics, border, and trade issues dominating the agenda. To date, there have already been a dozen hearings dealing with the increased violence in Mexico as well as U.S. foreign assistance and border security efforts. Comprehensive immigration reform efforts once again could be considered in the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.
2009-05-01
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [April 14, 2009]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since 1994, trade between the countries has more than quadrupled. Bilateral relations are close, and characterized by extensive commercial and cultural ties and cooperation on a range of bilateral and international issues. A current trade dispute with the United States involves the implementation of NAFTA trucking provisions. In March 2009, Congress terminated a pilot-project for Mexican-registered trucks to operate beyond the 25-mile border commercial zone with the United States, and Mexico responded by imposing import tariffs on over 90 U.S. agricultural and industrial products. Drug trafficking issues are prominent in relations since Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana. Shortly after taking office in December 2006, President Felipe Calderón launched operations against Mexican drug trafficking organizations. […]. U.S.-Mexican cooperation on drug trafficking has intensified over the past several years, and both countries announced the Mérida Initiative in October 2007 to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. […]. The 111th Congress is maintaining an active interest in Mexico with myriad counternarcotics, border, and trade issues dominating the agenda. To date, there have already been a dozen hearings dealing with the increased violence in Mexico as well as U.S. foreign assistance and border security efforts. Comprehensive immigration reform efforts once again could be considered in the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.
2009-04-14
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated February 28, 2008]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex relationship as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Although relations with Mexico are generally friendly, and in October 2007, the two countries announced an unprecedented initiative to increase counternarcotics cooperation known as the Mérida Initiative. The enactment of border fence legislation in October 2006 has caused some tension in the bilateral relationship. In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. The Administration has requested $500 million in supplemental assistance for Mexico as part of a $1.4 billion, multi-year aid package. The Administration requested a further $450 million in assistance in its FY2009 Budget request. Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana to the United States. […] Migration and border security concerns have dominated the bilateral relationship in recent years. Comprehensive immigration reform was debated early in the 110th Congress, but the issue has been put aside following a failed cloture motion in the Senate on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348). In September 2006, Congress approved the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-367) to authorize the construction of a border fence and other barriers along 700 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. In September 2006, Congress also approved initial funding for fence construction, $1.2 billion, through the FY2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Colleen W.
2008-02-28
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated November 14, 2007]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex relationship as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Although relations with Mexico are generally friendly, the enactment of border fence legislation in October 2006 has caused some tension in the bilateral relationship. Felipe Calderón of the conservative National Action Party (PAN) narrowly defeated leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) in the disputed July 2, 2006, presidential election. Shortly after taking office President Calderón launched operations against drug cartels in nine states. He has increased extraditions to the United States to 79 through October 2007, up from the record 63 extraditions in 2006. President Calderón has demonstrated an unprecedented willingness to reach out for counternarcotics assistance from the United States while also openly calling for increased U.S. efforts to reduce the U.S. demand for illicit drugs, gun trafficking, and money laundering. In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. The Administration has requested $500 million in supplemental assistance for Mexico as part of a $1.4 billion, multi-year aid package. Migration and border security concerns have dominated the bilateral relationship in recent years. Comprehensive immigration reform was debated early in the 110th Congress, but the issue has been put aside following a failed cloture motion in the Senate on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Colleen W.
2007-11-14
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [December 18, 2008]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since 1994, trade between the countries has tripled. Bilateral relations are generally friendly, although the U.S. enactment of border fence legislation in 2006 caused some tension in the relationship. Under the Bush Administration, the United States launched initiatives to combat drug trafficking, augment border security, and combat human smuggling. Drug trafficking issues are prominent in relations since Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana to the United States. In October 2007, the United States and Mexico proposed the Mérida Initiative to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. [...]. An unexpected challenge for Calderón is the effect of the recent global financial crisis on the Mexican economy, which already has led to a decline in the stock market and the value of the peso. The 111th Congress will likely maintain an active interest in Mexico with myriad counternarcotics, migration, trade, and border issues dominating the agenda. Comprehensive immigration reform was debated early in the 110th Congress, but the issue was put aside following a failed cloture motion in the Senate on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348). Immigration reform efforts once again could be considered in the 111th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.
2008-12-18
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated November 14, 2008]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Bilateral relations are generally friendly, although the U.S. enactment of border fence legislation in 2006 caused some tension in the relationship. Drug trafficking issues are prominent in relations since Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana to the United States. In October 2007, the United States and Mexico proposed the Mérida Initiative to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. In legislative action in June 2008 on H.R. 2642 (P.L. 110-252), Congress appropriated $400 million for Mexico -- $352 million in FY2008 supplemental assistance and $48 million in FY2009 bridge fund supplemental assistance. Shortly after taking office in December 2006, President Felipe Calderón of the conservative National Action Party (PAN) launched operations against Mexican drug cartels. He has sent some 40,000 soldiers and 5,000 federal police to drug trafficking 'hot-spots,' and is contending with an escalation of drug violence throughout the country. Calderón has increased extraditions to the United States, and has demonstrated an unprecedented willingness to reach out for counternarcotics assistance from the United States while also calling for increased U.S. efforts on arms trafficking and a reduction in the U.S. demand for illicit drugs. In his first two years in office, President Calderón secured approval of several major reforms, including fiscal and pension reforms in 2007, and judicial and energy reforms in 2008. An unexpected challenge for Calderón is the effect of the recent global financial crisis on the Mexican economy, which already has led to a decline in the stock market, the value of the peso, and remittances from Mexicans abroad."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Cook, Colleen W.; Durand, Alessandra
2008-11-14
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [July 3, 2008]
"The United States and Mexico have a close and complex bilateral relationship, with extensive economic linkages as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Bilateral relations are generally friendly, although the U.S. enactment of border fence legislation in 2006 caused some tension in the relationship. Drug trafficking issues are prominent in relations since Mexico is the leading transit country for cocaine, a leading supplier of methamphetamine and heroin, and the leading foreign supplier of marijuana to the United States. In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime in Mexico and Central America. The Administration requested $500 million in FY2008 supplemental assistance for Mexico as part of a $1.4 billion, multi-year aid package for the Initiative. In final legislative action in late June 2008 on H.R. 2642 (P.L. 110-252), Congress appropriated $400 million for Mexico -- $352 million in FY2008 supplemental assistance and $48 million in FY2009 bridge fund supplemental assistance. In other action, on June 10, 2008, the House approved H.R. 6028 that would authorize $1.1 billion for Mexico over three years under the Mérida Initiative."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Cook, Colleen W.
2008-07-03
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President's Authority to Use the National Guard or the Armed Forces to Secure the Border [April 19, 2018]
"President Trump's recent announcement and memorandum to the Attorney General and the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security regarding the possibility of deploying the military to help guard the U.S.Mexican border against aliens entering the country unlawfully as well as to stop the flow of drug and gang activity raise questions regarding his statutory or constitutional authority to do so. The answer may depend on which troops are sent and the role they will play. This sidebar addresses the legal authorities for the President to use the National Guard or the armed forces to assist in securing the southwestern border."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elsea, Jennifer K.
2018-04-19
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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [April 22, 2011]
"The United States has close relations with Panama, stemming in large part from the extensive linkages developed when the Canal was under U.S. control and Panama hosted major U.S. military installations. The current relationship is characterized by extensive counternarcotics cooperation; support to promote Panama's economic, political, and social development; and a proposed bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). U.S. bilateral assistance amounted to $7.3 million in FY [fiscal year] 2010 while the FY2011 request is for $10.6 million and the FY2012 request for $2.6 million. This funding does not include assistance in FY2008 and FY2009 under the Mérida Initiative to assist Central American countries in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime; beginning in FY2010, Panama has been receiving assistance under the successor Central America Regional Security Initiative. [...] The United States and Panama signed a bilateral FTA in June 2007, and Panama's National Assembly approved the agreement in July 2007. Neither the 110th nor the 111th Congress considered the agreement, but the 112th Congress could consider the agreement this session. Issues that have raised congressional concern relate to worker rights and to Panama's tax transparency. In the 112th Congress, several measures have been introduced that would express support for the FTA with Panama: S.Res. 20 (Johanns) and S. 98 (Portman), both introduced January 25, 2011; and H.Res. 86 (Frelinghuysen), introduced February 11, 2011."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2011-04-22
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Vulnerable Youth: Federal Mentoring Programs and Issues [Updated July 22, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The purpose of contemporary, structured mentoring programs is to reduce the potential risk of negative outcomes by supplementing (but not supplanting) a youth's relationship with his or her parents. These programs are administered primarily by adult volunteers who are recruited by youth-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, and after-school programs. Some of these programs have broad youth development goals, while others focus more narrowly on a particular outcome such as reducing gang activity or substance abuse, or improving grades. Research has shown that mentoring programs have been associated with some positive youth outcomes, but that the long-term ability of mentoring to produce particular outcomes and the ability for mentored youth to sustain gains over time are less certain."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.
2019-07-22
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Haiti's Political and Economic Conditions [Updated July 1, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, Haiti has struggled to overcome its centuries-long legacy of authoritarianism, disrespect for human rights, extreme poverty, and underdevelopment. Widespread corruption remains an impediment to changing that legacy. Despite significant progress in improving governance, democratic institutions remain weak and stability fragile. Poverty remains massive and deep, and economic disparity wide. In proximity to the United States, and with a chronically unstable political environment and fragile economy, Haiti has been an ongoing policy issue for the United States. Many in the U.S. Congress view Haiti's stability with concern and have shown a commitment to improving conditions in the country through continued support for U.S. foreign aid. Haiti has experienced growing instability during the administration of President Jovenel Moïse. Unrest, high rates of inflation, and resurgent gang violence have characterized Moïse's term. The judiciary is conducting ongoing investigations into Moïse's possible involvement in money laundering, irregular loan arrangements, and embezzlement, which the president denies. Haitian Senate and Superior Court of Auditors investigations allege embezzlement and fraud by current and former Haitian officials managing $2 billion in loans from Venezuela's PetroCaribe discounted oil program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Taft-Morales, Maureen
2019-07-01
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El Salvador: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated July 1, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report examines political, economic, security, and human rights conditions in El Salvador. It then analyzes selected issues in U.S.-Salvadoran relations that have been of particular interest to Congress, including foreign assistance, migration, security cooperation in addressing gangs and counternarcotics issues, human rights, and trade."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2020-07-01
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Merida Initiative: Proposed U.S. Anticrime and Counterdrug Assistance for Mexico and Central America [March 18, 2008]
"Increasing violence perpetrated by drug cartels, youth gangs, and other criminal groups is threatening citizen security and democracy in Mexico and Central America. Mexican and Central American government efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime have been hindered by inadequate resources, corruption, and weak judicial systems. On October 22, 2007, the United States and Mexico issued a joint statement announcing the Mérida Initiative, a multi-year plan for U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America aimed at helping those governments combat drug trafficking and other criminal organizations. The Administration requested $500 million for Mexico and $50 million for Central America in the FY2008 supplemental appropriations request. To date, there is no legislative vehicle for the funding request. The Administration requested another $450 million for Mexico and $100 million for Central America in the FY2009 budget request."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Colleen W.; Rush, Rebecca G.; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2008-03-18
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El Salvador: Background and U.S. Relations [May 19, 2015]
"Congress has long maintained interest in El Salvador, a small Central American country that also has had a large percentage of its population living in the United States, since the country's civil conflict (1980-1992). Whereas in the 1980s the U.S. government spent billions of dollars supporting the Salvadoran government's efforts against an insurgency led by the leftist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), the United States is now working with the country's second democratically elected FMLN Administration. Analysts predict that U.S.-Salvadoran relations will remain constructive during Salvador Sánchez Cerén's presidency (2014-2019), as they did during former President Mauricio Funes's term (2009-2014). El Salvador currently faces significant economic and security challenges that the country is unlikely to be able to address without substantial support. El Salvador posted an economic growth rate of 2% in 2014, the lowest of any country in Central America. The government is running high deficits and attracting little foreign investment. Economists have cited security concerns as a barrier to investment. Although a truce between the country's major gangs helped lower homicide rates in 2012 and early 2013, it has since unraveled. Homicides increased by 57% in 2014."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2015-05-19
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El Salvador: Background and U.S. Relations [June 26, 2014]
"Congress has maintained interest in El Salvador, a small Central American country that has a large percentage of its population living in the United States, since the country's civil conflict (1980-1992). Whereas in the 1980s the U.S. government spent billions of dollars supporting the Salvadoran government's efforts against the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) insurgency, the United States is now working with the country's second consecutive democratically-elected FMLN Administration. Despite the potential challenges involved for both sides, analysts predict that U.S.-Salvadoran relations will remain constructive during Salvador Sánchez Cerén's presidency, as they did during Mauricio Funes' term (2009-2014). El Salvador is facing significant economic and security challenges that the country is unlikely to be able to address without substantial external support. El Salvador posted an economic growth rate of just 1.4% in 2013, the lowest of any country in Central America. The government is running high deficits and attracting little foreign investment. Economists have cited security concerns as a barrier to investment. Although a truce between the country's gangs helped lower homicide rates in 2012 and 2013, it has unraveled and violent crime is increasing. […] This report examines current conditions in El Salvador as well as issues in U.S.-Salvadoran relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2014-06-26
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El Salvador: Background and U.S. Relations [April 9, 2015]
"Congress has long maintained interest in El Salvador, a small Central American country that also has had a large percentage of its population living in the United States, since the country's civil conflict (1980-1992). Whereas in the 1980s the U.S. government spent billions of dollars supporting the Salvadoran government's efforts against an insurgency led by the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), the United States is now working with the country's second democratically elected FMLN Administration. Analysts predict that U.S.-Salvadoran relations will remain constructive during Salvador Sánchez Cerén's presidency (2014-2019), as they did during former President Mauricio Funes's term (2009-2014). El Salvador currently faces significant economic and security challenges that the country is unlikely to be able to address without substantial support. El Salvador posted an economic growth rate of 2% in 2014, the lowest of any country in Central America. The government is running high deficits and attracting little foreign investment. Economists have cited security concerns as a barrier to investment. Although a truce between the country's major gangs helped lower homicide rates in 2012 and early 2013, it has since unraveled. Homicides increased by 57% in 2014."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2015-04-09
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El Salvador: Background and U.S. Relations [June 23, 2014]
"Congress has maintained interest in El Salvador, a small Central American country that has a large percentage of its population living in the United States, since the country's civil conflict (1980-1992). Whereas in the 1980s the U.S. government spent billions of dollars supporting the Salvadoran government's efforts against the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) insurgency, the United States is now working with the country's second consecutive democratically-elected FMLN Administration. Despite the potential challenges involved for both sides, analysts predict that U.S.-Salvadoran relations will remain constructive during Salvador Sánchez Cerén's presidency, as they did during Mauricio Funes' term (2009-2014). El Salvador is facing significant economic and security challenges that the country is unlikely to be able to address without substantial external support. El Salvador posted an economic growth rate of just 1.4% in 2013, the lowest of any country in Central America. The government is running high deficits and attracting little foreign investment. Economists have cited security concerns as a barrier to investment. Although a truce between the country's gangs helped lower homicide rates in 2012 and 2013, it has unraveled and violent crime is increasing. […] This report examines current conditions in El Salvador as well as issues in U.S.-Salvadoran relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando
2014-06-23
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Reducing the Budget Deficit: Tax Policy Options [August 8, 2011]
"Tax reform and deficit reduction are two issues being considered by the 112th Congress. In recent months, a number of groups have published various plans for tackling the nation's growing deficits. Other groups, such as the Senate 'Gang of Six' and a group led by Vice President Biden comprised of Members of Congress, have engaged in deficit reduction negotiations. This report analyzes various revenue options for deficit reduction, highlighting proposals made by the President's Fiscal Commission and the Debt Reduction Task Force. Others, such as House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and the Obama Administration, have noted the importance of tax reform as part of deficit reduction plans. These plans, however, do not provide the same level of detail as the Fiscal Commission and Debt Reduction Task Force, and are therefore not reviewed in detail as part of this report. […] There are other options for generating additional revenues outside of the current tax system. The federal government could raise revenues through additional consumption taxes, excise taxes, or by imposing a tax on carbon. The President's Fiscal Commission and the Debt Reduction Task Force took different approaches in the tax reform components of their fiscal sustainability plans. The President's Fiscal Commission raised additional tax revenues primarily through comprehensive income tax reform. The Fiscal Commission chose to broaden the tax base, allowing for both lower tax rates and increased federal revenues. The Debt Reduction Task Force's proposal also recommended individual income tax reform. The individual income tax reforms recommended by the Debt Reduction Task Force were designed to enhance efficiency and increase progressivity in the income tax system. Additional revenues in the Debt Reduction Task Force's plan originate from the proposed 6.5% debt-reduction sales tax."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.
2011-08-08
