This report from the Migration, Remittances & Development Program presents the findings of a survey carried out with more than 1,000 US immigrants from eight Latin American and Caribbean nationalities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study identifies critical aspects that shaped migrants’ experiences in 2020 and early 2021, and, more importantly, the determinants of continuing to send money back home in times of crisis.
This report discusses the impact that Covid-19 has had on migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean with a focus on migrant job-loss and its effect on remittances sent to their native countries.
On April 2, Manuel Orozco, Mariellen Jewers, Piero Coen and Gene Nigro discussed the economic and health consequences caused by Covid-19 to migrants and how it impacts Latin America and the Caribbean. Estimates show that remittances to LAC countries will register at a negative seven percent decline in 2020.
This analysis offers a glimpse of the potential impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on US immigrants and family remittances. Past events involving worldwide crises can offer insight as to how this pandemic will likely affect remittance transfers. Considering migrants’ financial and health vulnerabilities as well as the forecast recession, a conservative estimate shows that remittances will register a -3 percent decline in 2020 relative to 2019, from $77 billion to $75 billion.
Manuel Orozco analyzes the current trends in Central American immigration. Although it is a relatively new phenomenon, mostly dating from the late 1970s, its impact in the region and on foreign policy is quite significant.
Migrants’ economic contributions can be successfully leveraged for development if policies consider them in relation to drivers of migration and development challenges.
Remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean surpassed US$70 billion in 2016, representing a critical source of income for the region. Two new Dialogue studies shed light on remittances, emerging technologies in methods of transfers, and opportunities for financial inclusion. These studies were presented and discussed on May 17th at an event moderated by Peter Hakim, President Emeritus of the Dialogue, and featuring speakers Manuel Orozco, the Director of the Dialogue’s Migration, Remittances, and Development Program, and Daniel Ayala, the Executive Vice President and Head of Global Remittances Services for Wells Fargo.
This study presents the findings of a migrant survey conducted in November 2016 about remittances, new technologies, and financial access among Latin American migrants in the United States.
The Inter-American Dialogue is pleased to publish this working paper by Manuel Orozco, director of our program on Migration, Remittances, and Development, and Julia Yansura, program associate at the Dialogue. Our aim is to stimulate a broad and well-informed public debate on complex issues facing analysts, decision makers, and citizens…