Think Creative - Issue 6

Leonardo

Age 29

Location

Totonicapán, Guatemala Unemployment and lack of economic opportunity

Motivation for migrating

member overseas does seem to increase like- lihood of migration, while at the same time raising household income. Nearly a quarter of survey respondents said they receive remit- tances, which not only indicate strong family ties but also the potential for job opportunities for future migrants. “In the Northern Triangle, transnational ties are about more than just missing a loved one overseas. These strong connections to the U.S. point to a support network and the possibility of economic prosperity,” says Creative’s Sal- vador Stadthagen, Director of Latin America and Caribbean Strategy. “For migrants, a link to the U.S. can make it easier to find a job and reduce some of the uncertainty, risk and cost of making the journey.” Manuel, 33, has family and economic ties that have contributed to his decision to leave Guatemala on two separate occasions. Orig- inally from SanMarcos and currently living in Guatemala City, Manuel first migrated at

“Out of necessity, I’m going to try again, one or two more times until I get there.”

Leonardo

Detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Phoenix, Arizona and deported

Manuel, 33, is still fearful after

Crosses into the U.S. in Arizona through the desert

experiencing extortion and threats of violence in Guatemala. He preferred to not reveal his identity on camera to protect his own security and privacy.

Departs Totonicapán with friends and crosses into Mexico at La Mesilla

Positive effect Remittances have a positive effect in reducing

wife. Today, he is working at Casa del Migrante, where migrants frommany countries stop for support, a meal and a place to stay on their own journeys. Manuel says that for now, he’s happy to be putting down roots in Guatemala, but knows that he has a support network and opportunity back in Ohio. “And maybe someday I’ll emigrate again,” he says. “I’ll always carry that beautiful memory of [my friends] and the United States. And it will always be in my prayers. Not just because I have family there, but because that country was a blessing for me.”

age 18, joining his aunt in Florida. Eventually making his way to Ohio, he began working in landscaping, finding a network of friends and a supportive boss who had a job waiting for him when he returned after visiting his family in Guatemala. “The second time, I was in communication with my boss. And he told me, ‘Come. If you come today, you’ll start work tomorrow,’” Manuel recalls. After a couple more years abroad, Manuel decided to return to Guatemala to be with his

poverty and increase household income, helping families below the $400 threshold make ends meet

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