Lawmaker calls for Central American "Marshall Plan" after border visit
By CAMILO MONTOYA-GALVEZ CBS NEWS November 26, 2018, 8:14 PM
After visiting the U.S.-Mexico border Monday, Democratic Rep. Lou Correa of California called on the U.S. government to implement a "Marshall Plan" to stimulate the economies of developing nations in Central America and reduce the widespread poverty and violence plaguing the region.
"We should start talking about a Marshall Plan, so to speak, for economic stimulus in Central America and in Mexico," Correa told CBS News. Correa visited the port of entry between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico, which was temporarily closed on Sunday after some migrants seeking asylum tried to force their way across. "We're spending a lot of resources, a lot of money, on attorneys, family separations, incarcerating people — it's not working."
Named after Secretary of State George Marshall, the Marshall Plan was the U.S. government's initiative to invest billions of dollars to rebuild war-torn Western Europe after World War II.
Correa, who represents parts of Orange County, said leaders in the U.S., Mexico and Central America should discuss whether a program similar to the Marshall Plan could create economic opportunities in Central America. He said fighting gang violence in the Northern Triangle of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador would reduce the number of migrants who risk making the dangerous journey north.
More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rep-lou-correa-calls-for-central-american-marshall-plan-after-border-visit/
LBN:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142211085
