GUATEMALA CITY, November 17 (Sputnik) – Stopping the seemingly endless flow of undocumented Latino immigrants to the United States involves creating opportunities in their origin countries, Jorge Peraza, regional director of the International Office for Migration, told Sputnik Sunday.
"We need to start talking about the possibility for people to live without violence and with economic opportunity. We must understand that, despite the high levels of violence and other problems in some Central American countries, not everyone is leaving," said Peraza.
"Some people are migrating, but a lot of people are staying and finding solutions in their homeland. We often talk about the right to leave, but what about the right to stay? We must find solutions for people here in their homeland in terms of education and jobs."
US President Barack Obama says he will use his executive power to push through changes to the US immigration system "before the end of the year". This is expected to involve temporary deportation relief to some of the estimated 11.3 million immigrants, who live in the United States without papers.
Republicans warn against changing immigration rules, saying reforms should not reward people who have entered the United States illegally.
The US spends $18 billion each year on drones, guard posts and other forms of border security as well as funding Mexico and Central American states to halt the flows of migrants headed to the US looking for jobs and to join relatives.
Rights groups say many immigrants – including children – are fleeing from drug-gangs and other dangers and are deported without getting the chance to seek asylum. Other critics say that mass deportations cause emotional upheaval and family break-ups.
