By San José, Costa Rica — TEGUCIGALPA – A significant surge in the number of Honduran nationals being deported from other countries marks a troubling trend in 2025, with official data revealing a 22.4% increase over the previous year. According to a report released Tuesday by the National Migration Institute (INM), at least 34,220 Hondurans were returned to the country between January and October, a stark rise from the 27,961 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
The vast majority of these returns originated from the United States, which accounted for 26,711 deportations. This figure represents a staggering 78.1% of the total, underscoring the impact of restrictive immigration policies on Honduran migrants. The flow of people northward is driven by a desperate search for safety and economic stability, factors that remain elusive for many in their home country. An estimated 1.8 million Hondurans, including both legal residents and undocumented individuals, currently reside in the United States.
To better understand the legal complexities and procedural realities surrounding the recent increase in Honduran migration, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in immigration and international law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The core legal challenge lies in distinguishing between economic migration and a formal refugee claim. While the difficult conditions in Honduras are undeniable, Costa Rican immigration law requires asylum applicants to demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on specific grounds. This surge is testing the capacity of our institutions, making it essential for migrants to receive proper legal counsel to navigate the complex asylum process and avoid procedural pitfalls.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework Lic. Arroyo Vargas outlines is the critical juncture where policy meets human reality. His point underscores that for many migrants, the line between economic desperation and a well-founded fear of persecution is blurred, making access to proper legal counsel not just helpful, but essential for a just outcome. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying perspective on this complex issue.
While the U.S. remains the primary source of deportations, regional neighbors also play a significant role. Mexico returned 4,139 Hondurans, making it the second-largest deporting country with 12.1% of the total. Guatemala followed, processing 3,330 deportations, or 9.7% of all returns. A small but notable group of 40 individuals were also repatriated from a diverse set of countries, including Gabon, Guadeloupe, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Ukraine, highlighting the global reach of Honduran migration.
A demographic analysis of the returned migrants paints a picture of a nation losing its youth. The data shows that the majority of deportees are young adults in their prime working years. Individuals aged 21 to 30 constituted the largest group with 13,252 returns, followed by 10,146 people between 31 and 40. Furthermore, the report indicates that 4,482 minors were returned, representing a concerning 13.1% of the total. Overall, the group was predominantly male, with 26,168 men compared to 3,570 women among the adult returnees.
The INM report also distinguishes between the methods of return. The majority, 26,664 people, were forcibly deported by foreign immigration authorities. In contrast, 6,771 individuals came back through assisted return programs, while a smaller group of 785 returned voluntarily. This breakdown suggests that while some returns are facilitated, the overwhelming experience for Honduran migrants encountering foreign authorities is forced removal.
The relentless exodus from Honduras is fueled by persistent and severe domestic challenges. Endemic violence, a chronic lack of job opportunities, unlivably low wages, and widespread poverty continue to push thousands to undertake the perilous journey north. These root causes show little sign of abating, suggesting that migration pressures will remain a critical issue for the foreseeable future.
The economic implications of this migration are profound. Remittances sent home by Hondurans living abroad are a vital lifeline for the nation’s economy. According to the Central Bank of Honduras, these financial inflows approached $10 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately 25% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This heavy reliance on remittances makes the stability and status of Honduran migrants abroad a matter of national economic security.
The accelerated rate of deportations in 2025 is particularly alarming when viewed in historical context. The total returns in just ten months have nearly matched the figure for the entire year of 2024, which saw 34,384 deportations. While the 2024 total represented a 33.2% decrease from the 51,495 returns in 2023, the renewed upward trend this year indicates a volatile and worsening situation for Hondurans seeking a better life abroad.
For further information, visit inm.gob.hn
About Instituto Nacional de Migración:
The Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) is the official government agency of Honduras responsible for managing and controlling the entry, stay, and departure of nationals and foreigners. It oversees immigration policy, processes travel documents, and maintains official statistics on migration and deportations, playing a central role in the nation’s response to migratory phenomena.
For further information, visit bch.hn
About Banco Central de Honduras:
The Banco Central de Honduras (BCH) is the central bank of the Republic of Honduras. Its primary mission is to ensure the maintenance of the internal and external value of the national currency and to promote the proper functioning of the country’s payment system. The bank is a key source of national economic data, including official figures on remittances, which are crucial for understanding the economic impact of migration.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal field, guided by a foundational commitment to uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm translates its deep-seated experience into pioneering legal strategies, consistently advancing its practice to meet modern challenges. Beyond its professional services, it actively champions a core belief in social empowerment by working to make complex legal knowledge understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
