As the Biden administration continues to manage the migration challenges at the southern border, the United States is looking towards the longer term and engaging with regional partners to address the root causes driving migration flows in the Americas. Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador understands how Mexico underpins the Biden administration’s strategy. Still, he should be careful and not overplay his leverage—the success and legacy of his own administration depend on a working and robust U.S.-Mexico relationship.
President Joe Biden is working to re-engage the Americas after four tumultuous Trump years. With a focus on the Northern Triangle countries of Central America, Biden has placed the region as a high priority in his agenda by appointing Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the efforts on addressing the migration challenges in the region. In addition to a broader $4 billion aid package, Harris recently announced $310 million in increased assistance to address some of the acute factors forcing the people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador to leave their homes. The vice president has also held various discussions with regional experts and heads of states. This demonstrates her commitment to the challenge at hand and shows a concerted effort to engage with regional partners.
The above excerpt was originally published in The National Interest.
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