Deaths highlight children’s plight in migrant surge to US

“All those who go there, it is because they have no money, because they can’t find any work,” said Pascual. In this department of Huehuetenango, nearly 74 percent of the population live below the poverty line, government statistics show.

Maria Lucas, 40, is happy to show her concrete house, built from the money sent home by her son, Juan, who has been living in the United States for the past three years.

“My child left because of poverty. We are in need, that’s why he had to leave,” said Maria.