Of the many results of political instability, corruption, inequality, and violence are some of the most destabilizing to the pursuit of happiness. The roots of these problems in Latin America can, as ever, be found in history. In the post-colonial period, newly-formed constitutional governments were often born into an unfortunate convergence of circumstances, unable to levy old taxes to support their costly military and bureaucratic expenses.
In addition to this, Creole elites solidified and expanded their influence following the removal of colonial administration. This laid the foundation for the corruption that became commonplace, as caudillos, military or political leaders, during the post-colonial period “became key political actors, working in alliance with, and at times under the control of, the economically powerful and civilian political leaders of the new nations of Latin America,” according to Britannica. By the time of free trade liberalism in the 1860s and 70s, Latin America’s lack of capital immediately after independence was solved by injections of foreign capital at an unprecedented scale.
Sanctions are another obstacle that hinders economic stability. Directly linked to inciting sharp declines in foreign investment, sanctions often block loans from international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the IMF and the Inter-American Development Bank. In the 1980s, the IMF began to “intervene” in domestic policy making, and many countries in the Global South suffered debt crises fed by the easy lending of petrodollars, global recessions, and a sharp increase in U.S. Federal Reserve interest rates. Amidst the crisis, the IMF offered bailout programs with “unprecedented and painful conditions attached.” Among these conditions were austerity measures that prevented economic growth and often involve cutting funding to essential social programs in Latin America. These measures also led to higher unemployment and underemployment, lower real wages and incomes, and increased poverty.
In more recent years, the political situation has remained difficult as the increase in democracy in Latin America has come without relieving income inequality. Many governments in the region favor tourism and international business, where profits routinely end up outside the country while a large portion of its citizens are often relegated to low-wage labor vital to these industries’ continued function. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence states that “income inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is the highest in the world, will fuel protests and political instability in much of the region.” Civil unrest, however necessary, and the force of their government’s response, can have a tremendous impact on the daily life of the populace. Latin America has the highest registered number of forced disappearances, with thousands of missing people for each military dictatorship.
Violence in some areas of Latin America is fueled not by internal political turmoil, but rather the policies of other nations. During America’s War on Drugs, cartels were made wealthy by the business of contraband, and in turn used this money to further expand and solidify their hold on the market, on territory, on the people. The three largest illicit industries are drug, arms trafficking, and human trafficking. The prominence of femicide in Mexico is often linked to cartel violence.
When one lives in fear that either they or someone they love will be the next to disappear, it is only natural to search for an escape. It could be argued that the harsh immigration policy, especially with regards to the border, unable to dissuade the desperate, instead only makes this escape more difficult, thus making the work of coyotes more lucrative. When faced with violence if they stay and a chance to live, despite the perilous journey, the often-repeated phrase “land of opportunity” takes on a tenor of hope.
Be very careful!
Beware of notaries, immigration consultants, or anyone who is not qualified and prepared in these matters. Always seek the advice and services of an immigration attorney for your immigration processes and procedures.