Trump’s Deportation Threats Prompt Surge in Remittances from US Migrants

Central American migrants living in the United States sent approximately 20% more in remittances during the first quarter of 2025, according to newly released official data.

Economists believe this increase reflects growing concerns about potential deportation under President Donald Trump’s administration.

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In countries like Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador, remittances from U.S.-based migrants account for nearly one-quarter of their GDP.

This week, Guatemala’s central bank reported a 20.5% rise in remittances, totaling $5.64 billion in the first quarter, compared to the same period in 2024.

Honduras also saw a significant increase, with $2.6 billion in remittances, marking a 24% jump from the first quarter of 2024.

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Though El Salvador and Nicaragua have not yet released full data for the first quarter, remittance inflows in January and February showed notable growth: 14.2% for El Salvador and 22.6% for Nicaragua, compared to the same months last year.

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In those two months, El Salvador received $1.4 billion, while Nicaragua collected $909 million in remittances, according to their central banks.

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Alvaro Gonzalez, president of Guatemala’s central bank, has linked the rise in remittances to migrants’ fears of deportation from the U.S.

Similarly, Guatemalan economist Erick Coyoy told local media that the surge is “an anticipated response from migrants to the perceived risk of deportation.”

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