Aligning Parallel Paths: Recommendations for US–Mexico Collaboration to Address the Root Causes of Irregular Migration from Northern Central America

The Mexico Institute of the Wilson Center and the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI) present Aligning Parallel Paths: Recommendations for US-Mexico Collaboration to Address the Root Causes of Irregular Migration from Northern Central America. This document is the result of a joint collaboration focused on exploring ways in which the United States and Mexico have responded to the migratory phenomenon in the Northern Triangle of Central America, as well as identifying how both countries could align their efforts in conjunction with the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to add value to their national programs and promote sustainable development in the region.  

We present five key recommendations that emphasize the need to maintain a permanent dialogue and deepen cooperation in key development areas to efficiently respond to the root causes of migration.  

This policy brief offers a proposal for bilateral and regional collaboration which constitutes a truly strategic alliance. We promote a united front towards the completion of shared goals to broaden the impact of diverse, long-term initiatives and to complement the objectives of each participant.  

This study is based on conversations and interviews with government representatives, international organizations, private sector interests, civil society organizations, and academia, combined with independent research and analysis conducted by the authors.  

The Mexico Institute of the Wilson Center aims to improve the understanding, communication, and cooperation between the United States and Mexico through the promotion of original research, public debate, and proposed political opinions to improve the bilateral relationship.  

The Mexican Council on Foreign Relations, COMEXI, is dedicated to the study, analysis, and dialogue regarding international affairs, to generate ideas that open up Mexico to the world through debate and the production of information and proposals which contribute to a better understanding of the world and influence in the formulation of policies for the benefit of Mexico and the World.