Crime and Migration in the Americas

In the 21st century, migration patterns in the Americas have changed dramatically. Historically, the decision to migrate tended to rest heavily on economic factors, and the United States typically registered the largest number of migrants from countries like Mexico. Over the past 20 years, these patterns have changed. Migration from Central American countries has increased dramatically, driven primarily by fear of crime and gang violence. The numbers of women, families, and unaccompanied children making the dangerous journey north have also risen sharply and created challenges for U.S. immigration policy.

This course examines migration trends over the past 30 years. Students will study the ways in which crime and violence, particularly at the hands of organized criminal groups, have shaped the politics, economies, and societies of many Latin American countries. Students will analyze how crime and violence have shaped migration trends and assess the ability of U.S. policy to respond to changing migration patterns in the hemisphere.