Mexico City, Mexico, Nov 28, 2018 / 12:41 pm
Controversial "caravans" of Central American migrants have made headlines in recent weeks, and a quagmire at the U.S. southern border remains unresolved.
As policymakers and migrants consider their next steps, some have asked why migrants leave Central America to make a dangerous journey with an uncertain outcome.
Rick Jones, senior adviser on Migration and Public Policy for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Latin America, pointed to "three main reasons: violence, climate change and the lack of opportunities" in their countries of origin.
The first "migrant caravan" of 2018 left Oct. 13 from San Pedro Sula in Honduras. By the time they reached Mexico City in early November, they numbered more than 5,600 people. Other caravans followed in their steps.