Migration begins long before someone reaches a border — in the loss of stability, opportunity, and trust that makes it impossible to stay.

For decades, USAID helped address those root causes by strengthening democratic institutions, supporting communities, and building stability before crises took hold. It was one of the few agencies designed to prevent displacement rather than respond to it.

In this clip, Jeremy Williammee, former USAID Director of Democracy and Governance for El Salvador and Central America, reflects on what happens when that work disappears.

Watch the full episode to hear our conversation.

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