Report on the Impacts of U.S. Trade Policy on Migration in Latin America: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A recent report titled Exporting Instability, Importing Exploitation: The Impacts of U.S. Trade Policy on Migration in Latin America, released by Public Citizen and the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), highlights the profound effects of U.S. trade policies on migration patterns in Latin America. The report launch event featured members of Congress, labor representatives, and immigrant rights advocates, emphasizing the intersection of trade policies with human rights and sustainable development.

Key Findings and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Focus

1. Displacement and Migration (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Corporate-driven trade agreements have displaced millions in Latin America, stripping them of livelihoods and forcing migration to the United States.
   • Upon arrival, migrants face criminalization, exploitation in low-wage industries, and detention in for-profit prisons.
2. Trade Policies and Labor Rights (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Current trade agreements prioritize corporate profits over human welfare, undermining labor protections and fostering exploitation.
   • There is a call for raising international labor standards and ending forced labor to address root causes of migration.
3. Environmental Impact and Climate Change (SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 15: Life on Land)
   • Climate change exacerbates instability, affecting small farmers and vulnerable communities, contributing to forced migration.
   • Polluting corporations and wealthy nations must be held accountable for climate damages and invest in community resilience.
4. Immigrant Inclusion and Social Justice (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Immigrants are integral members of communities and deserve protection, dignity, and inclusion regardless of immigration status.
   • Federal policies should shift focus from criminalization to integration for social, economic, and civic success.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

• Iza Camarillo, Global Trade Watch Research Director, Public Citizen: Emphasized that migration results from policies prioritizing corporate profits over human welfare and the environment, calling for urgent reform.
• Nicole Melaku, Executive Director, NPNA: Highlighted the need to end immigrant criminalization and promote inclusion to bridge growing social divides.
• Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.): Advocated for trade policies that support pro-worker measures and international labor standards to reduce forced migration.
• Christopher Zatratz, United Auto Workers (UAW): Criticized free trade agreements for exploiting workers globally and called for a fair trade system that unites workers.
• Yunuen Trujillo, Director of Workers’ Rights, CHIRLA: Stressed that trade policies must include strong labor protections to prevent exploitation and uphold workers’ rights.
• Jorge, Dreamer from Jalisco, Mexico: Shared personal experiences linking climate change impacts on agriculture to forced migration and exploitation in the U.S.
• Patience Nji Mugah, Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (LORI): Called for trade policies that uplift communities and for accountability of polluters to support climate resilience.

Conclusion

The report underscores the interconnectedness of trade policies, migration, labor rights, and environmental sustainability, aligning closely with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It calls for comprehensive reforms to create equitable trade systems, protect migrant rights, and address climate change impacts, thereby promoting global justice and sustainable development.

Additional Resources

Watch the full report launch event:

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Issues of exploitative labor, low-wage industries, and the need for pro-worker policies are highlighted.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Focus on immigrant inclusion, social and economic integration, and addressing marginalization.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Criminalization of immigrants and the role of enforcement policies are discussed.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Climate change impacts on migration and livelihoods, especially for small farmers, are mentioned.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Displacement due to economic policies and exploitation leading to poverty is implied.
6. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Reference to global labor abuse in supply chains and the need for responsible trade policies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8 Targets:
   • 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking.
   • 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
2. SDG 10 Targets:
   • 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people.
3. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
4. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
5. SDG 1 Targets:
   • 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services.
6. SDG 12 Targets:
   • 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 8:
   • Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, reflecting exploitative low-wage jobs.
   • Number of victims of forced labor and human trafficking.
   • Labor rights violations and enforcement of labor standards.
2. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • Number of migrants and displaced persons and their social and economic integration levels.
   • Measures of inequality and access to services among immigrants.
3. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • Number of people subjected to arbitrary detention or criminalization due to immigration status.
   • Access to justice and legal protections for immigrants.
4. Indicators related to SDG 13:
   • Number of people displaced due to climate-related hazards.
   • Measures of resilience and adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities.
5. Indicators related to SDG 1:
   • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, especially displaced populations.
6. Indicators related to SDG 12:
   • Number of companies adopting sustainable and ethical labor practices in supply chains.
   • Extent of corporate accountability for environmental and social impacts.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: citizen.org