Key federal agency at the center of Trump administration's recent crackdown played a pivotal role in Vice President Kamala Harris' approach to addressing migration challenges.

According to Fox News, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is currently under a funding freeze, was instrumental in implementing significant portions of the Biden administration's root causes strategy for addressing illegal immigration at the southern border.

During her tenure as border czar, Vice President Harris spearheaded diplomatic efforts in Latin America, focusing on addressing fundamental issues such as gang violence, climate change, and poverty. These initiatives combined government programs with private sector funding, establishing a comprehensive framework for regional development and stability.

Trump administration scrutinizes multimillion-dollar programs

USAID's involvement in Central America encompassed several major funding initiatives spanning multiple years. Centroamérica Local, launched in 2021, represented a substantial commitment of $300 million over five years, targeting organizations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

The agency's investment strategy prioritized sustainable economic growth, anti-corruption measures, and human rights protection. Programs specifically addressed gender-based violence, with dedicated funding of $6.5 million for Guatemala and $2.7 million for Honduras in 2022.

Recent developments under the Trump administration have brought these programs under intense scrutiny, leading to operational freezes and comprehensive reviews of funding allocation. This shift marks a significant departure from the previous administration's approach to regional development.

Guatemala emerges as focal point for development aid

March 2024 saw a substantial commitment to Guatemala through Harris' meeting with President Bernardo Arévalo. The discussion resulted in planned USAID investments totaling $135 million, complemented by an additional $170 million in development assistance.

The Central American Service Corps, established at the 2022 Summit of Americas, received expanded funding to reach 2,800 individuals considered at risk of migration. This initiative combined volunteer opportunities with employment training programs.

USAID's involvement in Guatemala extended to agricultural development through the Feed the Future program, emphasizing climate-smart farming practices and research capabilities. Additional funding of $10.75 million was announced in September, building upon the $153 million invested in 2023.

Root causes strategy faces dramatic policy shift

Trump's administration has demonstrated clear opposition to the root causes approach, implementing significant changes to existing programs and funding structures. This shift reflects a fundamental change in migration policy priorities.

Executive actions taken in Trump's first week included rescinding Biden's 2021 order that established the regional framework for addressing migration causes. The administration also reversed policies related to refugee resettlement and climate change's impact on migration.

These policy changes represent a broader ideological shift in addressing immigration challenges, moving away from regional development approaches toward enhanced border security and interior enforcement measures.

Moving forward amid operational uncertainty

Current operations at USAID remain largely suspended as investigations into spending practices continue. This operational pause has significant implications for ongoing programs and future initiatives in Central America.

The freeze affects numerous development projects and partnerships established under the previous administration. Regional stakeholders and program beneficiaries face uncertainty regarding the continuation of existing initiatives.

Implementation of new Trump administration priorities presents challenges for both domestic agencies and international partners involved in migration management efforts.

Where things stand now in migration policy

The United States finds itself at a critical juncture in migration policy, with USAID's operational freeze highlighting deeper divisions in approaches to addressing illegal immigration.

Vice President Harris' root causes strategy, while extensive in scope and funding, faces an uncertain future under current administration priorities. The shift represents a fundamental change in how the United States approaches regional development and migration management.

These developments reflect ongoing debates about the most effective methods for addressing immigration challenges, with significant implications for both domestic policy and international relations.