@TechReport{iza:izadps:dp18028,
            	author={Bonilla-Mejía, Leonardo and Bracco, Jessica and Gonzalez, Andres Ham and Peñaloza-Pacheco, Leonardo},
            	title={Is Drug-Related Violence Fueling Emigration from Central America?},
            	year={2025},
	month={Jul},
            	institution={Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)},
            	address={Bonn},
            	type={IZA Discussion Paper},
            	number={18028},
            	url={https://www.iza.org/index.php/publications/dp18028},
	abstract={We study how drug-related violence affects emigration from Central America, a region with rapidly rising migration to the United States. Using multiple data sources, we apply an instrumental variables strategy based on proximity to drug-trafficking routes and coca production in Colombia. We find that violence significantly increases intentions, plans, and preparations to emigrate—especially to the U.S.—with stronger effects among young and high-skilled individuals. Mediation analysis suggests this response is driven by declining economic activity and, more importantly, deteriorating labor market conditions caused by escalating violence.},
	keywords={drug trafficking;violence;economic activity;labor markets;migration},
            }