Editing Belize (section)

====Emigration, immigration, and demographic shifts====

Creoles and other ethnic groups are emigrating mostly to the United States, but also to the United Kingdom and other developed nations for better opportunities. Based on the latest [[U.S. Census]], the number of Belizeans in the United States is approximately 160,000 (including 70,000 legal residents and naturalized citizens), consisting mainly of Creoles and Garinagu.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Census.gov|url=https://www.census.gov/en.html|access-date=2021-11-23|website=Census.gov|language=EN-US|archive-date=27 December 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Because of conflicts in neighboring Central American nations, [[refugee]]s from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have fled to Belize in significant numbers from the 1980s onward, and have significantly added to Belize's Hispanic population. This has significantly changed the country's ethnic makeup.<ref name="paulglassman.com">{{cite news | title=People of Belize | url =http://www.paulglassman.com/bg4.htm | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110715053315/http://www.paulglassman.com/bg4.htm | archive-date =15 July 2011 | access-date =14 February 2008 }}</ref> In the 2020 U.S. Census Data, Belizeans made the top 5, ranking at number 4, of largest "Some Other Race Alone" or "Some Other Race Alone or in Any Combination" group. The number of Belizeans in the "Some Other Race Alone" was 11,311 people, and the number of Belizeans in the "Some Other Race Alone or in any Combination" was 48,618 people.<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |title=Census Bureau Releases 2020 Census Population for More Than 200 New Detailed Race and Ethnicity Groups |url=https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/09/2020-census-dhc-a-race-overview.html |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> However, the U.S. State Department estimates upwards 100,000 Belizeans are in the U.S., making it the largest Belizean diaspora outside of Belize.<ref name=":03"/>

$2.62 billion U.S. dollars were given in aid to Belize from the United States between 2020 and 2023, to help combat an increase in trafficking, including drug and human, narcotic smuggling, and the spread of organized gang violence. The aid was dedicated to reinforcing Belize's police enforcement system and tighter border regulations.<ref name=":03" /> Belize led to a request for assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2016, which led to the 2018 launch of a national migration policy plan.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=UN Migration Agency to Support Belize Develop New Migration Policy |url=https://www.iom.int/news/un-migration-agency-support-belize-develop-new-migration-policy |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=International Organization for Migration |language=en}}</ref>  Most migrants enter Belize with intentions to cross into the U.S., and as of 2018, migrants made up 15% of Belize's population.<ref name=":12" />

Emigration from Belize has tended to be concentrated on the United States, and sometimes Canada or other English-speaking countries. The majority of immigrants to Belize are from other Central American countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras, as Belize has a fairly welcoming immigration policy to help these newcomers assimilate.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |title=Belize |url=https://migrants-refugees.va/country-profile/belize/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Migrants & Refugees Section |language=en-US}}</ref> Belizeans have historically moved to the US and Canada mostly in search of better educational opportunities, family reunions, and economic prospects.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Belize |url=https://www.iom.int/countries/belize |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=International Organization for Migration |language=en}}</ref> Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a key instrument that has made this trend possible in the US. TPS allows individuals from nations that are undergoing armed conflicts, natural disasters, or extraordinary situations to temporarily stay in the United States. This status has been especially important for Belizeans since Hurricane Hattie in 1961 forced major internal relocation.<ref name=":5" /> Belizean immigrants frequently participate in family reunion programs in Canada, which is consistent with the country's larger immigration policy that values social integration and family harmony.

Belize's major economic sector is services, making up over 60% of the economy. Nearly 50% of migrants came from Guatemala, and the total composition of the migrants was around 50% men and 49% women.<ref name=":22" /> The majority of Guatemalan migrants were from indigenous populations like the Mopan Maya or Kekchi Maya Indians, and many remained in urban areas for economic opportunity, while native Belizeans moved to rural areas.