VP Harris touts Americas investment to curb migration
STORY: “When we provide economic opportunity for people in Central America, we address an important driver of migration,” Harris said, during the launch of a women’s economic empowerment initiative launch, 'In Her Hands', at the ninth Summit of the Americas, in Los Angeles, California.
The new commitments from companies, including Visa Inc and the apparel company Gap Inc, are intended to create jobs, expand access to the internet and bring more people into the formal banking system. According to Harris, the investment will have a direct impact on sectors such as agriculture and textiles, as well as banking services and credit in Central America.
Harris also announced specific commitments for women’s economic empowerment in northern Central America and the Western Hemisphere more broadly. “When women succeed, all of society benefits. And that is the work that we have done, guided by that principle with our root cause and strategy,” Harris said.
The pledges form a major part of the Biden administration's plan to address "root causes" of migration from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, a region known as the Northern Triangle. Curbing irregular migration is a top priority for Joe Biden at a time when record numbers of people are trying to enter the United States at the Mexican border.
