Guatemala as an asylum destination

I've previously argued that the conditions in Honduras and El Salvador provide stronger support for those seeking asylum in the US. There is both more generalized levels of violence, especially in terms of the murder rate, and stifling gang presence. It's not that individuals from Guatemala can't make a justified asylum claim; it's just that the broader picture of violence more greatly supports those applicants from the other two countries of the Northern Triangle.

As the US has become less welcoming to undocumented (and documented) immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers are trying their luck in Canada and Mexico. Small numbers are now settling down in Guatemala as well.

“We heard only certain parts of Guatemala were violent, that it was much calmer here,” says Juan Pablo, who fled to Guatemala City with his family in May. “Every corner of El Salvador is dangerous.”

To better safeguard new arrivals, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and civil society organizations have set up a network of safe spaces to protect asylum seekers like Juan Pablo and family – whether they choose to stay in Guatemala or continue on to another country.

The indications are that more are opting to stay put. From 2014 to 2016, the number of asylum requests in Guatemala increased 202 per cent. Additionally, Guatemala does not detain those seeking asylum, which has allowed Juan Pablo and Cecilia to achieve their main goal.

Most Salvadoran and Honduran asylum requests in Guatemala have been successful. Guatemala is not prepared to handle many more asylum seekers.

While many people continue to flee violence in the Northern Triangle, a new study finds that hunger is more of motivating factor.