POLICY PAPER

Creating a Global Skill Partnership with Central America Using Existing US Visas

Creación de una Alianza Global de Habilidades con Centroamérica Usando las Visas Estadounidenses Existentes

by
Helen Dempster
,
Kristie De Pena
,
Matthew La Corte
,
Jeremy Neufeld
,
Reva Resstack
and
Cassandra Zimmer
October 31, 2022

The United States is currently looking for ways to stimulate economic development within, and expand legal migration pathways from, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. At the same time, US employers are struggling with shortages in key “mid”-skill industries, such as health care, information and technology (IT), and tourism and hospitality. One way to meet both needs is to implement a Global Skill Partnership, a bilateral migration agreement which trains workers in needed skills within a country of origin prior to migration. A Global Skill Partnership between the US and El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras could be implemented within existing visa categories—the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), the H-2B visa, and Schedule A Employment-based green cards—without needing congressional approval.

CITATION

Dempster, Helen, Kristie De Pena, Matthew La Corte, Jeremy Neufeld, Reva Resstack, and Cassandra Zimmer. 2022. Creating a Global Skill Partnership with Central America Using Existing US Visas. Center for Global Development.

DISCLAIMER & PERMISSIONS

CGD's publications reflect the views of the authors, drawing on prior research and experience in their areas of expertise. CGD is a nonpartisan, independent organization and does not take institutional positions. You may use and disseminate CGD's publications under these conditions.

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