Nearly half of Latin American migrants at US border experienced gun violence or threats back home

[Jim__]

From phys.org

Reasons behind firearm-related threats reported by Latin American and Caribbean immigrants entering the USA, 2023. Credit: Injury Prevention (2024). DOI: 10.1136/ip-2024-045369
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Almost half of the migrants crossing into the United States from Latin America and the Caribbean report previously experiencing firearm-related threats or violence in their home country, according to a University of Michigan study.

The research examined the narrative that U.S.-manufactured firearms fuel violence in other countries and in turn contribute to migration. Prior studies have shown that U.S. firearm markets are associated with gun-related violence in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as Mexico and other countries, and that fleeing violence is a main reason people journey to the U.S.

...

After analyzing the responses of 321 participants, the survey found that 48% reported previously experiencing gun-related threats and violence, and 34% showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Of those that reported high levels of PTSD symptoms, roughly 27% had a higher prevalence of receiving firearm threats than those with low or no symptoms, according to the study published in Injury Prevention.

...

"Further, the prevalence of firearm threats in the region should be considered by policymakers when making policy decisions related to migration because prior research demonstrates that most of the firearms recovered in Mexico and Central America come from the United States."

[Skittles]

1. and they think America will be better?

[Jim__]

2. I think that's a reasonable expectation.

From what I've read, there are parts of some countries that are controlled by the drug cartels. Children living in those areas are forcibly recruited from as young as 13 years old. The terror in those areas is far worse than what you get in any part of the US that I am familiar with.

[Elessar Zappa]

3. The areas most of them come from are soaked in violence.

Much more than America (not to say we’re not a violent country, just not as bad as where they’re coming from).