MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Gareth A. Murillo Assistant Director Immigration & Nationality Belize

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Only English speaking country in Central America Once part of the Maya civilization Now a country of diverse ethnicity and culture.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Throughout its history and up to the present, Belize has had trickle migration. Two recorded incidences of mass influx: (1) Castes War (Guerra de Castas) in Yucatan, Mexico 1847-1901; and (2) political instability in Central America in the late 1970’s and 1980’s.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Caste War was a revolt by the native Mayan against the population of European descent for political and economic control. There was mass exodus of the European population to northern Belize and today the demography and culture of that area of Belize are defined by their descendants.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Political unrest in Central America also led to mass migratory influxes particularly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Challenges Pressure on already limited infrastructure. Anti-immigrant sentiments.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Facilitators Latin culture has been in existence before the mass migration of Central Americans. Work opportunities in industries Belizeans tend to ignore. Common ancestry of some migrants and natives. Informal migrant groups provide assimilation assistance.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Responses Government has sought a unifying identity. In 1999 government offered residency status to undocumented migrant through an amnesty program.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE Conclusion Belize considers itself a country of migrants. Immigration has impacted all levels of society. Belize may be a country with the highest ratio of migrants relative to the native population.

MIGRANT INTEGRATION IN BELIZE THANK YOU! gmurillo@btl.net Tel.: 501-822-3860 Fax.:501-822-2662