During the 1980s were many revolutions led by the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca ( URNG ) , the Guatemalan government responded with military action - which largely included genocide of 150,000 civilians during 1981 to 1983 . Ultimately , this formed a ripple effect which called for displacement and migration to both Mexico and the United States for many Guatemalans and Mayas . Mass migration from Guatemala occurred during the 1980s ; as a result , changing the relationship with the United States . This time period Guatemala was experiencing high levels of poverty along with social and political unrest . Guatemalans sought refuge during the 1980s due to civil war and economic devastation . However , at the time , they were not granted asylum . Despite , this female asylees have been able to receive asylum since then . Femicide has become more prevalent in Guatemala . In this manner , many United States courts have been granting asylum due to the increase in femicide in Guatemala
genocide
Guatemalan genocide
Guatemalan Americans