People don't flee their homes because they want to, people flee their homes because they feel they have to. Why? Because they don't have a job, because they are being threatened by gangs, because they don't have basic things like water, education, health.

In this quote, Nayib Bukele underscores the difficult circumstances that force people to leave their homes and migrate. He argues that migration is not a choice but a necessity for many, as they are driven by dire conditions like lack of employment, threats from gangs, and the absence of basic needs such as water, education, and health care. Bukele’s point is that individuals do not leave their homes out of a desire for something better but because their current situation has become untenable, making migration the only viable option for survival.

Bukele emphasizes that the factors pushing people to leave are often rooted in poverty and violence, which are pervasive in many parts of the world. His statement speaks to the larger issues of economic instability and social unrest that contribute to forced migration. He highlights that basic human rights, such as access to clean water, education, and healthcare, are essential for people to remain in their communities. When these needs are unmet, it becomes increasingly difficult for people to stay, pushing them to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

The origin of this quote comes from Bukele’s role as the President of El Salvador, where he has been outspoken about issues of migration and economic development. As a leader, he has often discussed the causes of migration from Central America, particularly from El Salvador, where many citizens face severe economic hardships and safety concerns. His words reflect his broader focus on improving the living conditions in his country to address the root causes of migration.

Bukele’s quote also touches on the idea of human dignity and the importance of creating conditions where people feel they can thrive without having to leave their homes. By emphasizing the challenges people face in their daily lives, Bukele calls attention to the need for policy changes that can address these systemic issues and reduce the factors that drive people to flee their homes. His statement encourages a broader conversation about how to improve economic opportunities and social stability to prevent forced migration.