Saturday, November 22, 2014

Obama and El Plan Migratorio

Before  I leave Guatemala  I would like to comment on the executive  orders that Obama has proposed .   This will affect many  both  within  and outside  of Guatemala .   No one doubts  it will  be fought  in the courts  as well as congress over  the next  few  years  and no one doubts  there will be some changes  It  does mean that a.most 200,000 people with roots in Guatemala  will  now reside   in the United  States  with   papers  of  legal  residence.  The changes will allow  families  to stay together  where there are parents  or children  who reside  in the United  States  legally.  Because  people can now come out of the shadows  of society  they will  be able to obtain   better employment  and pay more taxes .  They will also be able to send more money  back to Guatemala  improving  the economic  situation  for many families .   Almost  every  leader  of the counties in Central  America  strongly support  the law  as it takes  pressure off the leaders  to stem the tide of migration.  It is difficult  to know  what  will  happen  going forward.  Will the migration  numbers change?  I doubt  it.  As long as the economic  gap is so rediculously wide and the gangs  rule the streets  there will be those who  see no option  but to leave.  Until the economic  situation  improves  for the bulk  of Guatemalans  there will be migration.  No wall, no  body  of  water , and no police force will  stop people who have nothing  to lose.

It's been a great  three weeks .  In two days it's  back to work  and time to pay for my "indescetions".  It has been great  fun.

1 comment:

  1. As your wife, it's a good that I understand what you mean by your oft used phrase "paying for our indiscretions!" For those wondering, it refers to spending money on anything not required for subsistence!

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