Story perspectives

Trump's Immigration Policies Threaten $80 Billion Remittance Flow

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies disrupt the global remittance market, affecting developing nations.
Economist Dean Yang argues these actions could hinder poorer countries’ development more than aid cuts.
In 2022, immigrants in the United States sent nearly $80 billion in remittances.
Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala depend on remittances for 20%–27% of GDP.
Planet Money will examine the causes and effects of these changes in an upcoming episode.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies disrupt the global remittance market, affecting developing nations.
Economist Dean Yang argues these actions could hinder poorer countries’ development more than aid cuts.
In 2022, immigrants in the United States sent nearly $80 billion in remittances.
Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala depend on remittances for 20%–27% of GDP.
Planet Money will examine the causes and effects of these changes in an upcoming episode.