WASHINGTON, DC – AILA President Allen Orr welcomed news from Vice President Kamala Harris about planned measures to strengthen Central America through public-private partnerships with the following statement:
"It is heartening to see the plans announced by Vice President Kamala Harris this week that investments will be made to strengthen the prosperity of Central American countries to offer opportunity and a path forward for residents. The $1.2 billion in private sector investments will be a significant step forward in ensuring people can live and work and succeed, and not feel forced to flee to safety, if they are managed with transparency and input of civil society. The reality is that 'push factors' like corruption and gang violence make leaving feel like the only option to keep your family and loved ones safe, which is why AILA believes re-opening the ports of entry to those fleeing persecution by rescinding the Title 42 expulsion order and forgoing deterrence-only approaches are crucial components of addressing root causes of migration from Central America. These are exactly the type of recommendations AILA has made and will continue to make."
