Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Migration Studies

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Migration Studies

First Advisor

Amy Argenal

Abstract

The funds provided by the US Agency for International Development to Honduras may not be providing the humanitarian assistance that many Americans anticipate it to. In fact, in numerous instances that are outlined in this article, monetary aid distribution to governmental agencies in Honduras has proven to be one of the many factors that are counterproductive to the country’s development. The aim of this study is to expand knowledge on the impact of USAID allocation to Honduras and highlight its links to migration. In order to effectively present this research, I ground my argument within the “counter-storytelling” (Solórzano and Yosso 2002) framework to analyze the biographical narratives of Hondurans. This framework opposes the majoritarian or monovocal understanding the United States government and its agencies often employ in explaining why the continuation of funds to Honduras is necessary despite the country’s record of numerous human rights violations and instances of governmental corruption. This article offers an analysis of Honduran natives’ narratives from three urban and rural locations including San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and Azacualpa in an effort to better understand USAID’s impacts, or the lack thereof, throughout the country. By analyzing Honduran’s narratives and combining them with an understanding of the United States’ history of intervention and aid allocation to the country, I suggest policymakers’ immediate consideration of an alternative solution that a number of Hondurans have identified to be the beginning of a solution to the complex phenomenon of out-migration from the country.

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