Life in El Salvador

Salvadoran Legislative Assembly Approves “Quincena 25” Law Granting Extra January Income to Workers
El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly approved the “Quincena 25” law this week, proposed by President Nayib Bukele, granting a January income equal to 50% of monthly wages to workers earning up to $1,500. The measure applies to public and private-sector employees … Read more

World Bank Economic Outlook for El Salvador: It Projects a 3.5% Economic Growth in 2025
The World Bank has raised its economic growth forecast for El Salvador, now expecting the economy to expand by 3.5% in 2025, according to its latest Global Economic Prospects report released in January 2026. The updated projections improve on the … Read more

Salvadorans in the U.S. To Pay 1% Tax on Remittances Sent to El Salvador
Effective January 1, 2026, Salvadorans living in the United States will be required to pay a 1% federal tax on remittances sent to El Salvador. The remittance fee applies to all money transfers from the United States to recipients in … Read more

Life at the U.S.–Mexico Border Under Donald Trump’s Immigration Policies
Every day, hopeful migrants traverse the harsh deserts and treacherous mountain regions of the southern United States in search of safety, shelter, and opportunity. While these dangerous journeys are often reported in the news, the struggles of women and girls … Read more

Cid-Gallup: 96% of Salvadorans Approve Government’s Gang Crackdown
El Salvador’s security crackdown received overwhelming public support, as a new Cid-Gallup poll released on December 10 found that 96% of Salvadorans view the government’s anti-gang measures positively, reflecting continued approval of policies implemented since the 2022 state of emergency. … Read more

FMLN to Join 2027 Elections, Letting Non-Members Seek Presidential and Local Nominations
SANTA TECLA, El Salvador — The Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) announced Sunday it will compete in El Salvador’s 2027 presidential, legislative, and municipal elections. It also confirmed that it will allow non-members to run under its banner and … Read more

Five Districts Receive 22.2% of All Remittances Sent to El Salvador
Households in five districts receive 22.2% of all remittances to El Salvador, according to the BCR. From January to October, remittances reached $8.2 billion, up 18.2% from the same period in 2014. San Salvador, San Miguel, Santa Ana, Usulután, and … Read more