Lake Dallas, T.X. — Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, last week traveled to Central America in a continuation of his work to seek meaningful solutions to our nation’s immigration crisis. He visited El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala to learn firsthand about the immigration, humanitarian, and energy challenges in this region.

Since 2014, the United States has received a large number of unaccompanied alien minors who have fled from the nations of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Those who attempt to reach the United States border from these nations face a dangerous journey, including potential violence from gangs and other hazards. In order to help prevent such perilous journeys and end the dangerous practice of illegal border crossings, Dr. Burgess is committed to working with the Trump Administration and fellow Members of Congress to find permanent solutions for the humanitarian crises in the nations of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

“Sovereign nations must prioritize the defense of their borders. As we seek to reverse the current crisis on our southern border, we should consider why families in Central America send their children on a dangerous journey to America without the benefit of citizenship,” said Dr. Burgess. “I am encouraged by USAID’s current work to end the cycle of this humanitarian crisis, but there is more to be done. Foreign leaders must be held accountable for the wellbeing of their fellow citizens. Aid can be a powerful motivator, particularly when its availability is tied to a nation’s efforts to create a safe home for its people. America’s foreign aid funds are much better spent helping to provide a safe home for children in Central American countries than spent caring for these children in taxpayer-funded shelters once they reach our borders.”

Throughout the region, poverty and corruption contribute significantly to humanitarian deficiencies; however, each nation is taking an individual approach to ending the factors that spur human migration. Below are several highlights from each leg of Dr. Burgess’ trip.

El Salvador

In San Salvador, Dr. Burgess received in-depth briefings from embassy staff and met with local authorities, including Zacatecoluca Mayor Francisco Hirezi, members from the Crime Prevention Committee, and USAID staff, to discuss efforts to promote safety.

Additionally, he toured both the Sports Center Hato Hasbunand, an outreach center for migrants, as well as a Reception Center for Migrants. During this visit, Dr. Burgess met with a number of immigration officials and youth beneficiaries. 

Honduras

Dr. Burgess met with a number of officials during his time in Honduras, including First Lady Ana García Carías and her taskforce to address irregular immigration, Minister of Human Rights Karla Cueva, and representatives from USAID. During his visit, Dr. Burgess was encouraged by the Honduran leaders’ commitment to the young people of their nation and their efforts to end emigration from their country.

While in Honduras, Dr. Burgess also toured the Joint Task Force Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, where he met with American servicemembers.

Guatemala

He also toured a Migration Reception Center where he met with immigration officials and learned about the process of receiving Guatemalan immigrants upon return to their home country.

For more on Dr. Burgess’ work to secure America’s borders, please see his latest Floor speech and his op-ed in The Daily Signal.

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