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Advocacy for Guatemala

What’s Happening?

Guatemalans have fled their country in large numbers since the 1980s to escape violence, impunity, corruption, poverty, lack of security and services, droughts, and hurricanes. Many are unaccompanied children. And although the United States has looked to Guatemala as a partner on protection for asylum seekers in the region, the U.S. government has not done enough to provide protection for displaced Guatemalans.

What Must Be Done?

Refugees International is advocating for increased protections for displaced Guatemalans, including an expanded Central American Minors program and new family unification pathways to the United States as well as increased support for those displaced by the impacts of climate change.

Report

Mixed Blessing: Guatemalan Experiences under the New Central American Minors Program

March 15, 2023

Report

Two Years after Eta and Iota: Displaced and Forgotten in Guatemala

February 17, 2023

Report

Networks of Care for Displaced LGBTQ+ People: How the United States Can Support LGBTQ+-led Organizations in Central America and Mexico

January 27, 2022

Statement

Expansions to Central American Minors Program a Welcome Step, More Must Be Done

April 11, 2023

Statement

Refugees International Statement on VP Harris’ Visit to Guatemala

June 7, 2021

Statement

Refugees International Concerned by U.S. Agreements with Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala

April 12, 2021

Opinion

The Hill: The U.S. Is Making Forced Displacement Worse in Guatemala

March 27, 2020

Opinion

UN Dispatch: The White House Wants To Send Asylum Seekers To Guatemala. This is Probably Illegal

July 10, 2019

Blog Explainer

The Tragic Link Between Gang Violence and Displacement in Central America

June 8, 2015

Advocacy Letter

Biden Administration: Redress ACA’s Wrongful Return of Asylum Seekers to Guatemala

July 9, 2021

Advocacy Letter

Refugees International Opposes Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras

December 23, 2019

Advocacy Letter Testimony

U.S. Policy in Mexico and Central America: Ensuring Effective Policies to Address the Crisis at the Border

September 25, 2019

Event

Shifting Power: Examining the Agenda for Advancing Refugee Leadership and Localization

September 5, 2023

Event

2023 Advocacy Awards: Celebrating the Contributions of Refugees

August 31, 2023

Event

Afghan Women Refugees Two Years On: Where Are They Now?

August 7, 2023

Commentary

UN Crossborder Aid to Syria Requires More Than Consent

September 13, 2023

Commentary

Asylum Seekers in Costa Rica Struggle to Survive as New Decree Restricts Access to Work 

August 24, 2023

Commentary

Presenting our New Brand and Website

June 20, 2023

Featured Image: Erwin Jose Ardon was the first Central American asylum seeker sent to Guatemala under the country’s ACA agreement with the United States, pictured on November 24, 2019. Erwin opted to return to Honduras, but said he hopes to set out again for the United States where his daughter was born seven months ago. © AP Photo/ Elmer Martinez

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