Mechanisms of Conflict-Generated Diaspora Mobilization: The Case of Central Americans in the United States

Political science research on the role of diasporas as transnational actors in U.S. foreign policymaking has traditionally been conducted using the framework of ethnic interest groups. Designed to examine the influence of migrant or diaspora groups on the formulation of U.S. foreign policy, these approaches have focused on some of the better-known organized immigrant communities (cf., for instance, Ahrari 1987; Ambrosio 2002; Smith 2000). However, while these approaches have contributed to our understanding of the potential impact that non-state actors such as diasporas may have on international relations, their approach has been one of using immigrant groups as an independent variable without closely inspecting the factors responsible for the emergence and mobilization of such groups in the first place (Koinova 2018). Additionally, most research of Latinx groups in U.S. foreign policymaking focuses on either pan-ethnic categories (Hispanics/Latinx) or on the ‘Big Three,’ i.e. Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican immigrants in the United States (Paul and Paul 2009; Haney and Vanderbush 2009; DeSipio and Pantoja 2007). This paper treats diasporas as important non-state actors in international relations and shines the spotlight on diaspora groups whose policy influence has been understudied. While displaying lower socioeconomic profiles and higher numbers with undocumented status, factors that according to research on immigrant incorporation would serve to thwart a successful mobilization, Central Americans in the United States have in fact mobilized and established organizations that seek to shape U.S. policy toward their origin countries. Departing from Adamson (2013), therefore, this paper examines the processes that spawn the mobilization of this hitherto understudied group of immigrants in U.S. foreign policy. Specifically, this paper analyzes the mechanisms that generate the political mobilization of the Central American diasporas into foreign policy advocacy in times of crisis or conflict in the diaspora’s home country despite oftentimes oppositional opportunity structures. How do Honduran, Salvadoran, and Nicaraguan diaspora groups mobilize in times of crisis in their home country to raise their voices in the U.S. political system? The case studies include instances of outside and inside lobbying. How do they specifically highlight the connectedness of U.S. foreign policy practices and the domestic repercussions reflected in immigration and asylum policy, and what role does this connectedness play in mobilization? In order to answer these questions, the paper outlines a framework for a homeland crisis-host state mobilization link that traces how mechanisms operate within a given context, or crisis – in terms of intensity, length, and urgency – to better understand diaspora mobilization. The homeland crisis-host state mobilization link also demonstrates that, by drawing out connections between the homeland and opportunity structures in the country of settlement, we can understand when and why diasporas mobilization occurs in some instances of conflict and fails to emerge in others.