The availability of economic opportunities and proximity, in the case of the United States, have played an important role in determining the chosen location of emigrants from the Americas. (Graph 6). More than two-thirds of the emigrants from the Americas over the age of fifteen who lived there in 2010-2011 were from Central America, followed by 18% from the Caribbean. Mexico, a border country
(Figure 6: Emigrants from the Americas in the United States and Europe, by region of origin, 2010-2011)
, was the main country of origin, accounting for up to 54% of all emigrants from the Americas in the United States.
Migrants from the Americas living in Europe were motivated not only by economic prospects but also by similarities in language and culture and ease of entry, as many chose Spain as their destination, a country that did not require visas to some countries of origin until relatively recently (Table 6). The majority of emigrants from the Americas in Europe come from the Andean Region (46%), particularly Ecuador and Colombia, and from the Southern Cone (25%).
(Table 6: Distribution by sex and age of emigrants from the Americas in the United States and Europe, 2010-2011)