The 2022-2027 Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) of USAID/El Salvador -Central America and Mexico (E-CAM) Regional Mission focuses on regional solutions to development challenges that drive irregular migration from Central America to the United States. Each year hundreds of thousands of Central Americans leave their communities in search of better lives elsewhere. Many are destined to the U.S., migrating north through Mexico. The journey is costly and dangerous, and many end up as returnees from Mexico or the United States, who often attempt the trip again, creating a continuous cycle of irregular migration. While migration trends vary significantly from one year to the next in response to both push and pull factors, the principal push factors from Central America include a lack of economic opportunities, violence, poor governance and provision of public services, and vulnerability to climate shocks. In addition, development challenges are amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and HIV/AIDS in the region continues to affect significant portions of certain vulnerable populations.
In response, the goal of the RDCS is to reduce irregular migration from a Central America that is more prosperous, safe, and resilient. This will be achieved through regional programs that address regional challenges to economic prosperity, governance and security, and environment and health. Towards the goal of improving economic prosperity, regional priorities will include trade, investment, and value chains. To advance democratic governance and security, USAID will focus on sharing security information and best practices, preventing and responding to human rights abuses, countering corruption, and addressing the needs of displaced and moving populations. Finally, to strengthen resilience to environmental and health threats, regional priorities will focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation, natural resource management, and the prevention, management, and treatment of transboundary diseases.
