Honduras: The Roots of Migration

A Delegation Sponsored by the Cross Border Network

May 25-June 2, 2019

At least since 2014, when a wave of unaccompanied minors arrived at the U.S. southern border, the politics and attention of Americans have been fixated on the so-called Central American immigrant crisis at the border. Virtually no politicians or media, however, ask, “What is pushing Hondurans out of their country?” or “What is the connection between this mass migration and U.S. policy?”

This delegation will investigate the root causes of the dislocation of tens of thousands of Hondurans who choose a perilous journey and uncertain reception at the border over remaining at home.

Participants will
• Hear stories of why people leave
• Learn how the Honduran government discourages them from leaving.
• Learn if US AID programs aimed at deterring gang violence and migration are effective
• Hear how police, military and gangs partner in extortion, narcotrafficking and corruption.
• See first-hand the devastation of land grabs by foreign mining, tourism, and real estate corporations, the exploitation by sweatshops
• Meet the inspiring social movements trying to change the conditions that drive migration and hear about their alternatives

This delegation is organized by the Cross Border Network of Kansas City and co-sponsored with the Task Force on the Americas of Marin County California and the Interfaith Committee on Latin America of St. Louis, all members of the Honduras Solidarity Network. Our guide will be Karen Spring the HSN coordinator based in Honduras. Karen brings a decade of close observation of Honduras’s transition to dictatorship and the inspiring resistance movement.

Cost of the delegation: $650 not including airfare. This includes hotel, 2 meals/day, transportation, interpretation, and honoraria to groups while in Honduras. Price calculated for a minimum of 8 people.

Make your own flight arrangements: To arrive in San Pedro Sula on May 25 and to leave from Tegucigalpa on June 2nd.

What you need to apply:
• A valid passport that does not expire before Jan 2, 2020. No visa is required in advance.
• Download an application at crossbordernetwork.org/international-delegations.html or email for one to info@crossbordernetwork.org. Applications are due by March 20, 2019. You will be notified by April 1st so that you can buy your plane tickets. A deposit of half the cost is due by April 5th. The balance by May 20th.
• An interest and intention to actively support solidarity with Honduran social movements. We are not looking for tourists; we are looking for activists.

For more information: Judy Ancel, the Cross Border Network, 816-835-4745, jancel@igc.org, or Diana Bohm, 510-525-5497, nicca@igc.org, or Ellen Ziegemeier eziegemeier@yahoo.com.