Matt Gaetz Urges Downgrading US Travel Advisory to El Salvador Amid Bitcoin Legislation Support

In a bid to promote smoother travel for US citizens and to strengthen diplomatic ties, the Congressional El Salvador Caucus has taken a proactive step. Composed of bipartisan members, including Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), the caucus has officially urged the Biden administration to consider downgrading El Salvador's travel advisory from the current Level 3 to the more favorable Level 1. The advisory levels published by the Department of State give travelers an indication of the safety of a destination, with Level 3 signifying a recommendation to "Reconsider Travel," while Level 1 suggests travelers should "Exercise Normal Precautions." 

The Call for Travel Advisory Reassessment 

The plea to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was made through an official letter emphasizing the growing commitment to improve El Salvador's position on the travel advisory scale. The caucus members underscored El Salvador's marked improvement in law enforcement under President Nayib Bukele's regime, referring to it as the "safest" country within the Western Hemisphere. The letter also highlighted the significant reduction in El Salvador's homicide rate since 2015, dropping from a staggering 104 per 100,000 inhabitants to a mere 2.4 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024. This rate was notably less than that of nearly all major cities in the United States, serving as a compelling argument for the proposed advisory downgrade. 

Factors Contributing to the Advisory 

Reassessment Reps. Gaetz and Gonzalez pointed out the remarkable transformation El Salvador has undergone in terms of public safety and security. The reduction in the homicide rate is particularly noteworthy, illustrating the tangible efforts made by the government to enhance law and order within the country. Additionally, the caucus emphasized that the improvements in El Salvador's safety standards have resulted in a more hospitable environment for travelers, fostering a condition where US citizens can explore the nation with peace of mind. 

Importance of the Proposed Change 

El Salvador's journey toward a more favorable travel advisory rating is not merely symbolic; it bears significant economic and diplomatic implications. A lower travel advisory level could potentially bolster tourism, foreign investment, and business opportunities, contributing to the overall growth and development of the nation. The proposed downgrade would signify a shift in perception, promoting El Salvador as a viable and safe destination for US travelers while also fostering stronger diplomatic ties between the two nations. 

The Legacy of the Congressional 

El Salvador Caucus Since its inception, the Congressional El Salvador Caucus has played a pivotal role in strengthening the bond between the United States and El Salvador. Established by Rep. Gaetz following a congressional trip to El Salvador to attend President Bukele’s second inauguration, the caucus provides a platform for lawmakers to discuss and address issues of mutual interest between the two nations. The recent push to downgrade El Salvador's travel advisory exemplifies the caucus's commitment to fostering positive relations and promoting the potential of El Salvador as a thriving partner. 

El Salvador's Integration of Cryptocurrency 

A significant aspect of El Salvador's recent developments is its bold embrace of Bitcoin as legal tender. President Bukele's government has actively supported this integration, thereby positioning the nation at the forefront of the global cryptocurrency movement. The embrace of Bitcoin not only signifies a progressive stance toward digital currencies but also signals El Salvador's ambition to position itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.