How and Why Honduran People Immigrate to America

Introduction: Migration, a Risky Path to a Better Life

Migration is often seen as a risky path to a better lifestyle. Honduras, a beautiful country in Central America, is facing regrettable conditions that have worsened over recent years. People are leaving behind their roots, families, and lives. What is happening in our society? A good quality of life has become increasingly difficult to achieve as time passes. Despite working hard, progress remains elusive. Crossing the American border has become a common choice for many Hondurans, driven mainly by poverty. The consequences of pursuing the American dream are heavy to bear. We could talk endlessly about this issue. Honduras has numerous shortcomings due to the inability of our authorities to govern wisely, compounded by the mismanagement of resources. We are left to deal with the repercussions. Seeking a better life on American soil seems to be the answer to these pressing issues. Since 1998, after Hurricane Mitch, people began leaving due to the devastation caused by the natural disaster. Families were plunged into poverty, with almost nothing left. Even though no similar natural disaster has occurred recently, a large number of people continue to embark on the journey to the United States, driven by the hope of success. However, many are unaware of the difficulties and dangers of the trip, along with the significant risks involved. Astonishingly, the number of migrants increased significantly in 2018, and the reasons are countless. This migration has become a routine for many Hondurans, leaving the country in search of a sustainable life.

Economic Challenges and Lack of Opportunities

First of all, Honduras lacks work opportunities. Most people find it difficult to secure a job because the authorities are not impartial with every citizen. Often, one must belong to a specific political party to have the chance to apply for a job. Moreover, the salary is another critical aspect to consider. People cannot survive on a salary of Lps.3000, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. The most affected are those who have nowhere to work to support their families. The enormous accumulation of wealth and political power among small elites has hindered the development of an equitable and inclusive model of national development (Recinos, n.d., p. 7). Politicians make grand promises, but after elections, the country's needs seem insignificant to them. Poverty in Honduras is rampant. If we looked beyond our immediate surroundings, we would realize the dire conditions our fellow citizens endure. Some families cannot even provide a plate of beans for their children. A significant factor is the power the United States has exerted over this underprivileged country. Currently, a large portion of Honduras's economy depends on remittances sent monthly by migrant workers residing mainly in the United States. This situation prompts people to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities, instead of remaining in a place where growth seems unattainable.

The Impact of Unemployment and Social Inequality

Unemployment creates a black hole in society, with young people being the most affected. They are the ones who frequently leave Honduras for North America. Although the government has recently provided some job opportunities to young individuals, those from low social classes or different political affiliations are often rejected. For many years, Honduras has been seen as a state riddled with corruption. Inflation and the high cost of living are staggering. Most people are in debt, whether to others or banks. The cost of living forces citizens to work tirelessly without positive results or substantial rewards. Honduras also lacks adequate access to education. Rural areas are neglected, lacking the necessary conditions to offer life-changing education to children. Additionally, healthcare services are another concern. People continue to suffer due to the inadequate public health system. Hospitals often lack medicine, and many have died because they couldn't afford expensive medication, which is not available in public medical centers. Only those with financial means can access private healthcare and avoid the dire consequences faced by the poor. Low productivity and investment have been affected as well. A few areas have monopolized government benefits, leaving other regions in hardship. Even farmers have chosen to escape, taking the arduous path to northern lands, leaving everything behind. These challenges compound, making life in Honduras increasingly difficult. These are just some of the many reasons why Hondurans seek a better life.

The Perils of Pursuing the American Dream

Regrettably, achieving the American dream can turn into a real nightmare. Many dangers lurk on this journey. From the moment they leave the country, individuals are exposed to the worst. According to Departamento19, the dangers faced by young Hondurans on their way to the United States, especially when crossing Mexican territory, are alarming. Neither the Zetas, who kidnap, abuse, and even kill them, nor traffickers' gangs deter young people and women from leaving Honduras in search of job opportunities that will help them improve their lives and support their families (Migración hondureña, 2016). Despite the severe consequences, people continue to try reaching the United States. Many die daily on this route. Some have halted their lives in Honduras, while others have been mutilated by the train known as "La Bestia," which has claimed many innocent lives. According to El Heraldo, those who reach the American center, after enduring many days and nights of travel, finally approach the Rio Bravo. At this point, turning back is not an option. Remembering the sacrifices, obstacles, and dangers faced to be among the lucky few to reach that point, many had died, been crippled, disappeared, or, in the best-case scenario, been detained and close to deportation (Recinos, 2014, pp. 1-2). Today, gangs are among the most feared threats. If a kidnapped person lacks money, they may be killed or forced to work for the gang. This perilous journey is far from easy. People risk deportation, losing everything, or even death.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Struggle for a Better Life

In conclusion, crossing the American border remains a challenging task for every Honduran citizen. American lands are still seen as a land of opportunity. Hondurans will continue to strive for this dream because the lifestyle offered by our country falls short of expectations. There is no immediate solution to the numerous problems Honduras faces, including poverty, lack of opportunities, unemployment, poor education quality, and more. These issues remain deeply rooted. Hard work and the absence of substantial rewards make progress difficult to achieve. However, Hondurans will continue to fight. They will persist in leaving this impoverished country with its mismanaged resources. They will pursue the dream of a better life, a breath of hope for their souls and their families. Despite statistics and other obstacles, and the increasing difficulty of reaching North American lands, this phenomenon will remain part of our lives as Hondurans. If we do not seek a solution for a better life, we will remain in the same bitter condition.