Laws: April, 2003 - Number #8

Remittances. In 2002, remittances to Latin America rose by 18 percent to $32 billion from 2001 levels, according to the Inter-American Development Bank, or 32 percent of the $103 billion worldwide that the IDB estimates was remitted to developing countries (the IMF puts remittances to developing countries at about $70 billion). The cost of remitting funds to Latin America was estimated at $4 billion, or 12 percent of the amount sent home.

According to the IDB, Mexico received $10.5 billion in remittances, Central American countries $5.5 billion; Brazil $4.6 billion, mostly from ethnic Japanese Brazilian migrants in Japan; Caribbean countries $5.4 billion; and Andean Ridge nations $5.4 billion. Remittances were 29 percent of GDP in Nicaragua and 24 percent in Haiti.

The report highlighted the case of Argentina which is expected to report the largest increase in remittances in 2003. In 2002, remittances to Argentina increased 80 percent, to $184 million. The economic impact of remittances on Latin America nearly equals that of foreign direct investment in the region, and may surpass it in 2003. (http://www.iadb.org/exr/PRENSA/2003/cp3803e.htm)

Trade. The Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) agreement of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) allows persons with a BA or more to move freely among member countries: there is a push to extend freedom of movement rights to all CARICOM nationals. CARICOM members in July 2002 launched studies under the Savannah Accord to study the impact of the US and UK recruitment of professionals, especially teachers, on local education systems.

The 15 CARICOM member states are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

In January 2003, the US opened free trade talks with El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

In 1994, the US and 32 Latin American countries pledged to create a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas by 2006.

Haitians. Since December 2001, when 240 Haitians arrived in Miami by boat, INS policy has been to detain Haitians who arrive by boat and apply for asylum.

There are reports that the middle class is abandoning Haiti, as President Jean-Bertrand Aristide seems unable to tackle poverty, unemployment and political instability. International aid has been suspended since flawed 2000 legislative elections.

The INS on February 26, 2003 published a rule that allows it to permit state and local police to assist if there is a mass influx of aliens. According to the INS, "present conditions in Haiti are prime for creating a mass migration to the United States," and the INS wants to be able to call on state and local police if large numbers arrive in Florida.

Brazil. There are an estimated one million Brazilians in the US, with concentrations in the Boston area, Miami, and New York City.

"US remittances to Latin America exceeded $32 billion in 2002," Agencia EFE, February 28, 2003.