Click here: to donate by Credit Card
Or here: to donate by PayPal
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you.
Posted on 12/28/2025 5:31:37 AM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
For over a year, Elías Padilla had been saving up to make the journey from Honduras to the United States as an undocumented immigrant.
As an Uber driver in the snarled streets of the capital, Tegucigalpa, it hasn't been easy for him to put money aside. On bad days he makes as little as $12 (£9) in 12 hours.
Now, though, his plans are on hold.
The images of undocumented immigrants in major US cities being dragged away by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, their wrists in zip-ties, have deterred at least one would-be immigrant in Central America from travelling north.
"I want to improve my life conditions because we earn very little here," Elías explains as we drive around the city. "Take this line of work, for example: an Uber driver in the US makes in an hour what I'd make in a day."
Like most Honduran immigrants, Elías says the main aim of reaching the US would be to send remittances home.
"But I see what Trump is doing, and it's made me think twice," he admits.
With many undocumented Hondurans sharing the sense of a looming threat or deadline over their futures, many are trying to send every spare dollar back to their families before it is too late.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
|
|
Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
Deliver it personally by self deporting.
There needs to be a 70% tax-to start-on remittances.
“As an Uber driver in the snarled streets of the capital, Tegucigalpa, it hasn’t been easy for him to put money aside. On bad days he makes as little as $12 (£9) in 12 hours.”
When I use to drive a yellow cab in New York city 17 years ago, in the summer I would be lucky to make ANYTHING. After making money for the lease and the gas sometimes I would end up OWING money. Summers were the worst because people would be gone for vacation and you would have 17,000 cabs vying for tourists. Worst job ever, I don’t know why I did it. You meet celebrities like crazy but the money was absolute shiet.
“an undocumented immigrant.”
In other words, an illegal. These people have absolutely no concern at all about breaking laws.
Mucho grando bucks.
**Remittances from the United States** — primarily to developing countries like those in **Latin America**, **Asia**, and elsewhere — have grown significantly since 1980, driven by increasing migration. The question focuses on money sent by undocumented immigrants (often referred to as “illegals”), but comprehensive data rarely separates remittances by legal status. Studies indicate that **undocumented immigrants** tend to remit a higher proportion of their earnings than legal immigrants, as they more often leave families behind and face greater incentives for insurance or future return.
### Key Data Points on U.S. Outward Remittances
- In 1980, remittances to **Latin America and the Caribbean** (LAC, mostly from the U.S.) were about **$1.9 billion**.
- U.S. total outward remittances (World Bank data) reached **$79 billion** in 2022, with estimates suggesting higher figures when accounting for underreporting (e.g., one World Bank analysis indicated possible **$110 billion+** due to bilateral migrant stock modeling).
- Recent annual U.S. outflows are around **$80–150 billion**, with some sources (e.g., Pew Research for 2017 at **$148 billion**, or anti-immigration groups claiming **$200 billion+** recently) reflecting varying methodologies and inclusion of informal channels.
### Historical Trends
- From 1980–2000: Low, likely **$10–30 billion** annually total from U.S., growing with migration.
- 2000s–2010s: Accelerated, with LAC alone rising to **$50–90 billion** by late 2010s.
- 2020s: LAC remittances hit **$161 billion** in 2024 (mostly from U.S.), Mexico alone **$65–68 billion**.
Cumulative U.S. total remittances since 1980 are roughly **$2–3 trillion** (averaging ~$30–50 billion/year early on, rising to **$100 billion+** recently).
### Estimates Specific to Undocumented Immigrants
No official cumulative figure exists specifically for undocumented immigrants since 1980, as remittances are tracked by recipient countries or total outflows, not sender status. However:
- Undocumented migrants (largely from Mexico/Central America) are more likely to remit and send higher shares of income (studies on Mexican migrants show undocumented send more than documented, often for family consumption).
- Many remittances to top recipients like Mexico (>95% from U.S.), Guatemala, and Honduras come from workers where undocumented populations are significant.
- A large portion of U.S.-to-LAC remittances (historically the bulk of U.S. outflows) is attributable to undocumented or low-wage migrant workers.
Rough estimate: If undocumented immigrants account for **40–60%** of U.S. remittances to developing countries (based on their share in high-remitting migrant groups and higher remitting rates), the total since 1980 could be **$1–2 trillion**. This is speculative, derived from total outflows and demographic patterns.
More conservative views (e.g., total U.S. remittances ~**$2 trillion** cumulative) suggest undocumented contributions in the **hundreds of billions to low trillions**.
These flows represent private transfers supporting families abroad, but they also reflect earnings generated in the U.S. economy. Actual figures may be higher due to informal channels (cash carried or unreported transfers). For precise annual data, refer to World Bank/KNOMAD bilateral matrices or recipient country reports (e.g., Mexico’s Banxico).
Pretty smart wouldn’t you say?
That we allow this has long been criminal.
How does he even have a drivers license?
“I want to improve my life conditions because we earn very little here,” Elías explains
Ah yes- further proof they are not seeking asylum to escape religious or political persecution- they just want to exploit America and fill their bank accounts....thanks for pointing this out once again- BBC!!!
Maybe Will Grant could organize a BBC benefit to cover air fare to get Elias to the UK?
Here is a thought, improve your hell hole, rather than plan on escaping from the filthy rats nest.
After all this time why are these countries still “ developing “🤔
Thank you for the effort of your post. The Trillions will never be in the American economy again. Many in the world hate America and Americans (even some Dems in America} yet we are a powerhouse for the entire world.
Because the leftist business model has never worked without slaves. Never will either.
“Trump has only postponed my plans,” he insists. “Not cancelled them.”
Yep. that would put a stop to a lot of this. We can use that money to do things for Americans.
They, can go home.
Good. Send them all back. We don’t need cheap labor.
Dirty little not so secret
These “developing” nations are dependent on remittances from their people in the US. Easy money for their economies, and why they are doing nothing to stop illegal immigration.
I have read that remittances to Mexico is 2nd largest source of revenue for that country, that and the money they made running bodies to the US
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.