
During the 20 years that Alejandro Carrillo has worked in the United States, he has always sent money home.
Earnings from his time with construction crews in Florida were enough to provide food and an education to each of his seven children and to build his wife a house in which to raise them.
It was also enough to later help his 33-year-old son, José Carrillo, purchase a small, green car to start a taxi business.
Funds sent back to Central America from migrants who work in economically developed countries are a lifeline to families like the Carrillos.
Remittances represent a steady cash flow which keeps receivers out of poverty and provides a safety net in times of crisis.