HARI SREENIVASAN:

Many of the migrants crossing the southern border with the United States are fleeing violence in their home countries in Central America — most often, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. But there's another crisis in the region this time in Nicaragua where Daniel Ortega's government proposed cuts to pension and social security in April triggered violent protests. Peace talks started but in the past few weeks government backed forces began demanding Ortega's resignation.

Joining us now from Mexico City is Elizabeth Malkin, a reporter for The New York Times who covers Central America. She's just back from Nicaragua where she witnessed a battle in the town of Masaya earlier this week. Thanks for joining us. First of all, what are the core issues that people are fighting over or pushing back against?