State Dept. Gives Thumbs-Up to El Salvador on Corruption to Keep Aid Flowing
Published Date: 8/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government officially confirms that El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are making real progress fighting corruption, improving justice, protecting human rights, and working with the U.S. to tackle crime and migration. These countries are also boosting their economies and security while promoting fair business practices. This certification keeps important U.S. support flowing in 2024 and 2025 to help these nations keep moving forward.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Continued U.S. Support for Northern Triangle
On July 1, 2026 the U.S. Department of State certified that El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras met specified benchmarks. That certification keeps U.S. support flowing in 2024 and 2025 to help those countries continue reforms in areas like rule of law, security, and economic policy.
Improved Legal Protections for U.S. Businesses
The certified governments are implementing policies to improve the business environment, including executing tax reform transparently, ensuring legal mechanisms for reimbursements of tax refunds owed to United States businesses, and resolving disputes involving confiscation of real property of United States entities. These steps are intended to make it easier for U.S. companies to operate and recover owed funds in those countries.
Cooperation on Migrant Returns and Border Security
The certified countries are cooperating with the United States to facilitate the return, repatriation, and reintegration of migrants and are taking actions to secure national borders and stem mass migration, including informing citizens of the dangers of the journey to the southwest border of the United States. The certification affirms those cooperative efforts.
Programs to Reduce Poverty and Boost Skills
The certified governments are implementing policies to reduce poverty and promote economic growth, including reforms to strengthen educational systems, vocational training programs, and programs for at-risk youth. The certification notes these efforts as part of the basis for continued U.S. support.
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