During the 19th century, letters took weeks to reach their destinations. Using the telephone, today’s immigrants can immediately share news with family and friends left behind. Likewise, remittances continue to play an important role. In 2005, immigrants worldwide sent 53.6 billion dollars to the Latin America and the Caribbean, with 75% remitted from the U.S. Sent via money transfer, remittances continue to help support families and infuse the national economies of countries of origin. Home