Several hundred migrants of different nationalities left in a caravan on Saturday from northern Honduras to the USAwhere they hope to go, crossing Guatemala and Mexico, hoping to start a new life away from the economic hardships and violence in their countries.

Migrants, mostly young people with backpacks, women with children and complete families, left the bus station from San Pedro Sula towards to the border post of Corinto, bordering Guatemala, Based on footage from local TV channels.

Honduran media estimates there are more than 500 members of the group, including Venezuelans, one of the nationalities that has grown the most among migrants trying to reach the United States in recent years.

“We are leaving because we want to give a better future to my children and also because the situation here in Honduras is very dire,” said Honduran Ana Sanchez, who was carrying a 2-year-old child and traveling with her husband, who lost his job in agriculture. Saba municipality companies, on the Atlantic coast of Honduras.

The caravan was the first to leave Honduras under the mandate of leftist President Xiomara Castro, who came to power two years ago promising jobs, incentives for micro-businesses and legal investment security to stem a migration worsened by corruption and security threats.

“We are leaving because there is no work here,” the unidentified 53-year-old man, carrying a nearly two-year-old child on his shoulders while another daughter walked next to him with a bag, told HCH television.

National Institute of Migration spokesman Wilson Gomez told Reuters the march involved a “mixed group of migrants.” “People of different nationalities go there”– he told in detail.

The caravan was also the first encountered by new Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, who took the oath of office a few days ago. “My government is committed to treating migrants who cross our territory with dignity, respect and compassion,” he said in his inauguration speech.