The diffusion of diaspora engagement policies: A Latin American agenda

Abstract

This paper provides evidence about the diffusion of diaspora engagement practices and institutions as a result of formal and informal collaboration between Latin American governments. In particular, it examines how Latin American governments have developed similar practices and institutions regarding consular protection and service provision for their populations in the United States and the models they have followed. Notwithstanding the differences in capacities and motivations, the results of this research indicate that there is a convergence of practices and policies of diaspora engagement among Latin American countries driven by ideas of regional solidarity and unity and a clear reference to the Mexican model in the development of budding initiatives and partnerships in this area. The diffusion of policies in this regard has implications in terms of providing a more comprehensive understanding of the motivations behind diaspora engagement programs and the ways in which existing practices are adapted and transformed in response to the practices of other countries in a similar host country context. So far, most of this regional collaboration is based on information-sharing and participation in joint initiatives oriented towards service provision and protection of migrants' rights, with economic development back home as a relevant but secondary objective. One of the implications of this diffusion of policies with a regional focus is its effect in the socioeconomic mobility, in the group identity and in the political participation of Latinos, the largest minority group in the United States.