Kamala Harris starts first foreign trip through Central America

The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, called for “hope” and to offer “results” to migrants so that they are not forced to leave their countries at the beginning of their tour of Central America. The first stop of the trip was Guatemala, where he met with President Alejandro Giammattei.

US and regional leaders must “give people a sense of hope that aid is on the way, understanding that hope does not exist by itself,” the vice president said.

Harris emphasized eradicating corruption, which she sees as the main reason for migration, as it affects all sectors, from the economy to justice, and has committed to working with non-governmental organizations and companies to lead the help.

During the meeting, Giammattei asked the vice president to include Guatemalan citizens in the list of candidates for temporary protection status, which prevents the deportation of citizens from countries in armed conflict and victims of natural disasters.

“We need you to help us for a time to have our people with the certainty that they are not deported. We ask for the help of the United States Government, to grant TPS”, said the Guatemalan president.

Harris is expected to meet with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador today. Possible US financial aid announcements could serve to soften harsh messages Harris is expected to send about prosecuting corruption and upholding democratic principles.

Harris’s trip is part of the stated intention of US President Joe Biden to address the causes of emigration from Central America. Only so far this year there have been more than 200,000 attempts by migrants from the area to enter the United States.

K. Tovar

Source: France24