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Daniela Alarcon

Professor Shahrazad Encinias

CAS 115

21 September 2023

P1.1: Central American Migrants are on a Word-of-Mouth Exodus to the U.S.

The article “Central American migrants are on a word-of-mouth exodus to the U.S.” by

Tracy Wilkinson presents the perspectives of different people as they take one of the most

difficult and significant journeys of many in Latin America, especially Central America. Many of

the people who take the trip to the U.S. border are unaccompanied minors, single parents with

their children, or adults traveling alone (Wilkinson).

Most individuals migrate to have a better life than what they have in their native

countries. Where they experience gang violence, poverty, or lack of work (Wilkinson). Although

they do not have a guarantee of being able to reach the United States, they hold onto hope for a

brighter future and better opportunities for their families. For some, what makes them decide to

travel is information about the U.S. border from family members, friends, and coyotes, or

smugglers (Wilkinson). Therefore, many intend to turn themselves to the immigration

authorities. Mostly single parents with children and minors traveling alone.

Throughout the journey, migrants go through dangerous situations. They risk their lives

and the lives of their children hoping to make it to the U.S. Border. All migrants from Central

America have to pass through Mexican territory where some are extorted for bribes from the

Mexican police, immigration officials and gangs (Wilkinson). Because of this, some migrants are

beaten or killed when unable to pay. Such incidents frequently occur in Mexican detention

facilities and on La Bestia (The Beast), a mode of transportation many migrants are forced to
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rely on (Wilkinson). To protect themselves along the way, some migrants turn to coyotes who

guide them, protect them and “make it easier” for them to get to the U.S. border (Wilkinson).

Although it is not the most reliable protection, it is usually the only solution to help them reach

their destination.

This trip can last for weeks or months depending on where they come from (Wilkinson).

Due to the long duration of the trip, many are forced to stop in countries to ask for help, rest, or

work to have money to support their needs (Wilkinson). Many people try to help migrants by

giving them food along the way or helping them fight corrupt authorities. Most of the migrants

hope and rely on their help to survive.

On the other hand, due to the increase in the number of immigrants, the United States is

starting to address this matter as an "urgent humanitarian issue” (Wilkinson). Even politicians

have traveled to Central America to deny rumors that the U.S. Border has been loosened and is

easier to cross (Wilkinson). But even though migrants are warned of being deported by the U.S.

authorities, they decide to take the risk of taking that trip just for the best life opportunities the

U.S. has to offer.

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Works Cited

Wilkinson, Tracy. “Central American Migrants Are on a Word-of-mouth Exodus to the U.S. -

Los Angeles Times.” Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2014,

www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-mexico-migrants-20140621-story.html.