#19 | Posted by eberly
USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development, primarily focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and funding global development projects, such as combating diseases like tuberculosis (TB), improving food security, and supporting education and democracy abroad. However, its activities often have indirect but significant implications for the U.S., including Kansas City and border-related issues.
USAID's Connection to U.S. Interests:
1. Public Health and Disease Prevention: USAID plays a critical role in controlling global health threats like TB. The recent freeze in USAID funding has led to an estimated 11,000 additional TB deaths globally since January 24, 2025, and disrupted TB prevention programs in 24 countries. This could increase the risk of TB cases spreading to the U.S., as international travelers or migrants may bring the disease across borders. The U.S. has already seen a rise in TB cases, with over 9,000 reported in 2023"a 16% increase from the previous year[2][5].
2. Food Security and Agricultural Research: USAID funds agricultural research programs that benefit both developing nations and U.S. farmers. For example, Kansas State University (K-State) hosts labs funded by USAID that develop drought-resistant crops and improve food systems globally. These programs also enhance U.S. agriculture by advancing crop resilience to climate change and pests. The funding freeze has jeopardized these efforts, leading to lab closures and potential disruptions in the U.S. food supply chain[3][6].
3. Immigration and Border Stability: In Latin America, USAID supports initiatives addressing poverty, violence, and corruption"key drivers of migration to the U.S. With 83% of USAID's projects in the region now cut, experts warn of increased migration pressures at the southern border. This could strain resources in border states and cities like Kansas City that may receive migrants[4][7].
Broader Implications:
The freeze on USAID funding not only affects global humanitarian efforts but also poses risks to U.S. national security, public health, and economic stability. While its primary focus is international development, the agency's work often aligns with protecting American interests by mitigating global crises before they impact the U.S. directly.
Citations:
[1] www.npr.org
[2] www.nbcnews.com
[3] www.kcur.org
[4] www.wlrn.org
[5] www.context.news
[6] moneywise.com
[7] www.cnn.com
[8] www.cnn.com
[9] www.kcur.org
[10] www.aljazeera.com
