Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117Th Congress
Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Key Issues in the 117th Congress May 3, 2021 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov R46781 SUMMARY R46781 Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy May 3, 2021 and Key Issues in the 117th Congress Mark P. Sullivan, The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean Coordinator based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and Specialist in Latin security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment American Affairs for many of the 33 countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both authorized and June S. Beittel irregular; major factors driving migration include proximity and economic and security Analyst in Latin American conditions. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a long-standing component of U.S. relations Affairs with the region and involves close cooperation with Mexico, Colombia, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. Administrations have long supported democracy and human rights in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a current focus on the authoritarian governments of Cuba, Peter J. Meyer Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as corruption and human rights concerns in other countries. Specialist in Latin Although the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in both political American and Canadian and economic development, notable challenges remain. Some countries, most prominently Affairs Venezuela, have experienced major setbacks. In addition, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread economic, social, and political effects throughout the Clare Ribando Seelke region.
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