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Emigration and immigration

Harnessing the Potential of Return Migrants in Guatemala

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The influx of deportees from the US has challenged Guatemala, forcing the government to rethink its approach to reintegration. Amidst the challenges, some see an opportunity for the country to harness the skills and expertise of returning migrants to drive sustainable tourism and economic growth. Research has shown that returnees possess fluency in English, expertise in critical fields, and a resilient mentality that can be leveraged to build new industries and strengthen economies back home.

Key Takeaways:

  • Guatemala is facing a significant influx of deportees, with nearly 23,000 Guatemalans deported between January and July this year.
  • The country's Plan Retorno al Hogar, or Return Home Plan, aims to connect deportees to jobs that utilize their language abilities and work experience, providing identification documents and mental health support.
  • Returnees bring valuable skills and expertise, including fluency in English and experience in construction, hospitality, food service, and landscaping.
  • Sustainable tourism could be a key sector for returning migrants, with Guatemala's tourism sector accounting for only 5% of GDP, compared to nearly 40% in Belize and about 9% in Costa Rica.
  • Guatemalans living in the US expressed a desire to return home and utilize their skills, with some proposing to build eco-lodges, open fusion restaurants, and manicure hotel lawns.
  • Deportation is a fact of life in Central America, and regional governments can choose to waste or harness the potential of returnees, who possess skills, vision, and global connections.
  • The US can promote effective reintegration by supporting local growth industries, tackling the drivers of migration at their source, and creating incentives for immigrants to return voluntarily.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 23,000 Guatemalans were deported between January and July this year.
  • Guatemala's tourism sector accounts for only 5% of GDP.
  • Belize's tourism sector accounts for nearly 40% of GDP.
  • Costa Rica's tourism sector accounts for about 9% of GDP.
  • Hundreds of migrants return to Guatemala each week, many having lived in the US for much of their adult lives.
  • Guatemala has a chance to lead in integrating returnees into sustainable tourism efforts, which could serve as a model for the region.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Harnessing the Potential of Return Migrants in Guatemala" (The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We'd like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here's our email: letters@nytimes.com . Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, WhatsApp, and Threads.)
  • Associated Press, "PHOTOGRAPH BY MOISES CASTILLO" (no specific date or reference provided)

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