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Two-Minute Take: Central America and The U.S.-Mexico Border

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Matthew Rooney

Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative Managing Director Matthew Rooney discusses the tools the United States should use to directly address the push factors in Central America that are leading to the surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

As the United States government develops a strategy to address the push factors in Central America that drive people to leave, there are two tools the government has it’s disposal:  

  1. Promote the use of digital technology for access to government services and financial services in the region by offering Central America a bilateral agreement on digital trade
  2. Create a linkage between the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement and the Central America Free Trade Agreement


Prioritizing these tools will promote economic growth in the region and create opportunities for the region’s residents.