11.3 Contemporary U.S. Policy: Trade, Security, and Migration
5 min read•july 30, 2024
U.S. policy in Latin America focuses on trade, security, and migration. Trade agreements like aim to boost economic integration, while security cooperation tackles drug trafficking and organized crime. Migration policies prioritize border control and regulated worker entry.
These policies reflect broader shifts in U.S.-Latin American relations since the Cold War. Economic liberalization and democratization became key goals, alongside evolving security concerns like counterterrorism. The impacts on Latin America have been mixed, affecting development, human rights, and regional dynamics.
Pillars of U.S. Policy in Latin America
Trade Agreements and Economic Integration
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- The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) enacted in 1994 created a trilateral trade bloc between the United States, Canada, and Mexico reducing and trade barriers
- NAFTA was renegotiated and replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement () in 2020
- The U.S. has pursued bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements with Latin American countries to promote economic integration and market access
- Examples include the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement () and the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement
Security Cooperation and Counter-Narcotics Efforts
- The launched in 2007 is a security cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Mexico aimed at combating drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, and money laundering
- Provides training, equipment, and intelligence sharing
- initiated in 2000 provided U.S. military and economic assistance to Colombia
- Combats drug production and trafficking
- Supports counterinsurgency efforts against left-wing guerrilla groups
- Promotes economic development and institution-building
Migration Management and Border Security
- U.S. migration policy towards Latin America has focused on border security, deterrence, and deportation particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border
- Policies such as the of 2006 and the (MPP) have sought to reduce irregular migration and asylum claims
- Temporary worker programs such as the H-2A and H-2B visas have allowed for the regulated entry of Latin American workers in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors to meet U.S. labor demands
U.S. Foreign Policy in the Post-Cold War Era
Shifting Priorities and Economic Liberalization
- The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities
- The threat of communist expansion in Latin America diminished
- Focus turned towards economic liberalization, democratization, and regional stability
- The promoted by the U.S. and international financial institutions in the 1990s emphasized market-oriented reforms, privatization, and fiscal austerity as strategies for economic growth and development in Latin America
Evolving Security Concerns and Regional Challenges
- The launched in the 1970s but intensified in the post-Cold War era has shaped U.S. policy towards Latin America
- Focuses on supply-side reduction strategies such as crop eradication, interdiction, and military assistance to combat drug production and trafficking
- The 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 led to a renewed emphasis on security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts in U.S. foreign policy
- Increased attention to issues such as border security, money laundering, and the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism financing in Latin America
- The rise of left-wing governments in Latin America in the early 2000s (Venezuela under , Bolivia under ) challenged U.S. hegemony in the region and led to tensions over issues such as trade, energy, and ideological alignment
Engagement and Partnership under the Obama Administration
- The Obama administration (2009-2017) sought to reset U.S.-Latin American relations through a policy of engagement and partnership
- Emphasized shared responsibility, multilateralism, and cooperation on issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and educational exchanges
Implications of U.S. Policies for Latin America
Economic Development and Inequality
- Trade agreements such as NAFTA and CAFTA-DR have had mixed effects on economic development in Latin America
- Some countries experienced increased foreign investment, export growth, and job creation
- Others faced competition from subsidized U.S. agricultural products, job losses in manufacturing, and widening income inequality
- The U.S. emphasis on neoliberal economic policies and conditional lending through international financial institutions has influenced the development strategies of Latin American countries
- Often leads to reduced social spending, privatization of public services, and increased vulnerability to external shocks and financial crises
Security and Human Rights Concerns
- U.S. security policies such as Plan Colombia and the Merida Initiative have contributed to the militarization of the war on drugs in Latin America
- Consequences include human rights abuses, displacement of rural communities, and the fragmentation of criminal organizations leading to increased violence and instability
- U.S. migration policies such as border enforcement and deportation have had significant human costs for Latin American migrants and their families
- Includes family separation, detention, and exposure to violence and exploitation along migration routes
Regional Integration and Alternative Development Models
- U.S. support for regional integration initiatives such as the (FTAA) and the has aimed to promote economic liberalization and expand markets for U.S. exports
- Has faced resistance from Latin American countries seeking alternative models of integration based on solidarity, complementarity, and social inclusion
- U.S. policies towards Latin America have had differential impacts on human security
- Some initiatives contribute to improved access to education, health care, and social protection
- Others exacerbate inequality, marginalization, and vulnerability particularly for indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, women, and rural communities
Challenges and Opportunities for U.S.-Latin American Cooperation
Addressing Transnational Security Threats
- The complex and transnational nature of drug trafficking and organized crime requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from the U.S. and Latin American countries
- Moves beyond a narrow focus on supply-side reduction and military intervention
- Addresses the underlying social, economic, and institutional drivers of these problems
- Opportunities for cooperation on drug policy reform include:
- Supporting harm reduction strategies
- Promoting alternative development programs for coca and poppy farmers
- Strengthening justice systems and the rule of law to combat corruption and impunity
Promoting Sustainable Development and Migration Management
- Addressing the root causes of migration such as poverty, inequality, and violence through targeted development assistance, institutional capacity-building, and support for local civil society organizations
- Helps reduce pressures for irregular migration
- Promotes sustainable livelihoods in Latin American countries
- Collaboration on climate change mitigation and adaptation presents an opportunity for the U.S. and Latin American countries to work together
- Focuses on issues such as renewable energy, sustainable land use, and disaster risk reduction
- Leverages the region's rich natural resources and traditional knowledge systems
- Challenges for cooperation on climate change include:
- Overcoming political and economic barriers to the transition to low-carbon development models
- Ensuring the equitable distribution of costs and benefits
- Addressing the specific vulnerabilities and adaptation needs of marginalized communities in Latin America
Strengthening Regional Institutions and Stakeholder Engagement
- Strengthening regional institutions and mechanisms for dialogue such as the Organization of American States (), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (), and the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue
- Provides platforms for policy coordination, knowledge sharing, and joint action on transnational issues of common concern
- Engaging with diverse stakeholders including civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector
- Brings new perspectives, resources, and innovative solutions to the table
- Helps build trust and legitimacy in U.S.-Latin American cooperation efforts
Key Terms to Review (29)
CAFTA-DR: CAFTA-DR, or the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, is a trade agreement signed in 2004 between the United States, Central American nations (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua), and the Dominican Republic. The agreement aims to promote trade and economic integration by reducing tariffs and fostering investment among the member countries. This initiative plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary U.S. policy regarding trade, security, and migration in the region.
Carter Doctrine: The Carter Doctrine is a key foreign policy statement made by President Jimmy Carter in 1980, declaring that the United States would use military force if necessary to protect its national interests in the Persian Gulf region. This doctrine established a framework for U.S. engagement in international conflicts, particularly focusing on issues related to security, oil resources, and the strategic importance of the Gulf. It also reflects the broader trends of U.S. policy during a time of rising tensions in global politics and energy crises.
CELAC: The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is a regional bloc established in 2010, aimed at promoting regional integration, dialogue, and cooperation among countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It provides a platform for member states to collaborate on common political, economic, and social issues while maintaining independence from external influences, particularly the United States and Canada.
Cold War Interventions: Cold War interventions refer to the various military, political, and economic actions taken by the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War to influence or control countries in Latin America and around the world. These interventions aimed at containing communism, supporting regime changes, and promoting ideologies aligned with each superpower's interests, significantly shaping political landscapes and relationships across the globe.
DACA: DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a U.S. immigration policy that allows individuals who were brought to the country illegally as children to receive temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. This policy reflects broader themes of migration and security within contemporary U.S. policy, as it seeks to address the status of undocumented youth while balancing national security concerns.
Evo Morales: Evo Morales is a Bolivian politician who served as the country's first Indigenous president from 2006 to 2019, representing the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party. His presidency marked a significant shift in Bolivia's political landscape, focusing on social justice, indigenous rights, and nationalization of key industries.
Free Trade Area of the Americas: The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) was a proposed agreement aimed at creating a comprehensive free trade zone across the entire continent of North and South America, including all countries in the Americas except Cuba. The FTAA sought to promote economic integration, eliminate trade barriers, and foster economic growth among member countries, significantly impacting contemporary economic relations and U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America.
H-2A Visa: The H-2A visa is a temporary work visa that allows U.S. employers to bring foreign agricultural workers to the United States to fill seasonal or temporary agricultural jobs. This visa program is crucial for addressing labor shortages in the agriculture sector, enabling farms to maintain productivity while ensuring that the rights of the workers are protected through specific regulations.
H-2B Visa: The H-2B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary non-agricultural jobs when there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available. This visa is crucial for industries that experience seasonal or peak load needs, such as hospitality and construction, connecting directly to contemporary issues in trade, security, and migration policies in the United States.
Hillary Clinton: Hillary Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, and attorney who served as the Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. As a key figure in contemporary U.S. policy, her influence extends to trade, security, and migration, particularly through her advocacy for diplomatic engagement and economic partnerships with Latin American countries during her tenure.
Hugo Chávez: Hugo Chávez was a Venezuelan politician and military officer who served as the President of Venezuela from 1999 until his death in 2013. He is best known for his implementation of socialist policies, known as 'Chavismo', which aimed to reduce poverty and promote social welfare, while also fostering a confrontational relationship with the United States and advocating for Latin American integration.
John Bolton: John Bolton is an American attorney and diplomat who served as the National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump from April 2018 to September 2019. His tenure was marked by a hawkish stance on foreign policy, particularly regarding issues related to Latin America, trade, and security, reflecting a broader approach of prioritizing U.S. interests and confronting perceived threats in the region.
Leftist movements: Leftist movements refer to political ideologies and actions that advocate for social equality, government intervention in the economy, and the redistribution of wealth. These movements often arise as responses to perceived injustices, aiming to challenge existing power structures and promote progressive reforms in society. In recent years, they have gained traction in various regions, influenced by economic disparities, social issues, and the desire for more inclusive governance.
Merida Initiative: The Merida Initiative is a security cooperation agreement between the United States and Mexico aimed at combating drug trafficking, organized crime, and violence. This initiative represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America, emphasizing a collaborative approach to address regional security challenges and improve law enforcement capacity in Mexico.
Migrant Protection Protocols: Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) refer to a U.S. immigration policy that requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their claims are processed in the United States. This policy aims to deter irregular migration and reduce the number of individuals who can enter the U.S. while awaiting asylum hearings. By shifting the burden of processing asylum cases to Mexico, the MPP is part of a broader strategy that intertwines trade, security, and migration issues between the U.S. and its southern neighbor.
Monroe Doctrine: The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. policy established in 1823, asserting that any European intervention in the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression, warranting U.S. intervention. This doctrine set the stage for future American foreign policy in Latin America, emphasizing a protective stance towards the region and asserting U.S. influence over it, which has had lasting implications for trade, security, and migration in contemporary contexts.
NAFTA: NAFTA, or the North American Free Trade Agreement, was a treaty signed in 1994 between the United States, Canada, and Mexico aimed at promoting free trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. This agreement has had a significant impact on the economies of the three countries and has shaped contemporary political and economic discussions, especially concerning trade relations, security issues, and regional integration.
Nafta negotiations: NAFTA negotiations refer to the discussions and agreements made between the United States, Canada, and Mexico to create the North American Free Trade Agreement, which aimed to eliminate trade barriers and foster economic cooperation among the three nations. These negotiations were crucial in shaping trade policies and economic relationships in North America, reflecting broader themes of trade, security, and migration within the contemporary policy landscape.
OAS: The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional organization founded in 1948 that aims to promote democracy, human rights, security, and economic development among its member states in the Americas. It plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation and dialogue between North, Central, and South American countries, especially in the areas of trade, security issues, and migration policies.
Pacific Alliance: The Pacific Alliance is a regional trade bloc in Latin America, established in 2011, which aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member countries: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. This alliance focuses on enhancing trade relations, fostering investment, and increasing competitiveness in the global market while also addressing common challenges such as security and migration.
Plan Colombia: Plan Colombia is a U.S.-backed initiative that began in the late 1990s aimed at combating drug trafficking and insurgency in Colombia. The plan involved significant military and financial assistance from the U.S. to strengthen Colombia's military and enhance its capabilities to fight against the FARC guerrilla group and drug cartels, while also promoting economic development and social reform.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the interests and voices of ordinary people, often contrasting the elite or established institutions. It can take various forms and is typically characterized by charismatic leaders who claim to speak for the common citizen, often using rhetoric that emphasizes a divide between 'the people' and 'the elite.' This approach has significantly influenced various political movements and ideologies across different historical contexts.
Remittances: Remittances are funds that migrants send back to their home country, usually to support family and friends left behind. This financial flow plays a crucial role in the economies of many Latin American countries, where remittances can constitute a significant part of household income and national GDP. These transfers often contribute to poverty alleviation, increased access to education, and overall economic stability in the recipient countries.
Secure Fence Act: The Secure Fence Act is a piece of legislation enacted in 2006 aimed at enhancing border security between the United States and Mexico through the construction of physical barriers. This act reflects the growing concerns over immigration, drug trafficking, and national security, leading to a significant investment in border infrastructure. It is often discussed in relation to contemporary debates about migration policies and U.S.-Mexico relations.
Tariffs: Tariffs are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods, aimed at increasing the cost of foreign products to protect domestic industries and generate revenue. They play a significant role in shaping trade relationships and can be used as tools for political leverage, affecting economic policies related to trade, security, and migration.
Temporary Protected Status: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program established by the U.S. government that allows individuals from designated countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary conditions to remain in the United States for a limited period of time. This status provides protection from deportation and eligibility for work authorization, connecting it to broader issues of migration, security, and international relations.
USMCA: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade agreement that replaced NAFTA, aiming to create a more balanced trade environment between the three countries. This agreement addresses various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with provisions that focus on labor rights, environmental protections, and digital trade. By modernizing the existing framework of trade relations, USMCA plays a crucial role in shaping economic policies and addressing contemporary issues related to trade, security, and migration.
War on Drugs: The War on Drugs refers to a complex and ongoing campaign initiated by the United States government aimed at reducing the illegal drug trade and its associated problems, which include drug abuse, trafficking, and violence. This campaign has involved a combination of military, legal, and policy measures both domestically and internationally, particularly in Latin America, where drug cartels and organized crime have significantly impacted governance and security.
Washington Consensus: The Washington Consensus refers to a set of 10 economic policy prescriptions aimed at promoting economic growth and development in Latin America and other developing regions. It emphasizes free-market reforms, deregulation, trade liberalization, and fiscal discipline as essential components to stimulate economic performance and attract foreign investment. This approach has shaped the economic landscape and policies of various countries, leading to debates over its effectiveness and impact on social equity.