SANTA LUCÍA UTATLÁN, Guatemala — The local government worker guided the bank representative around the parcel of land in this rural village in Guatemala, describing the dream home he envisioned rising from the dirt. He pointed out where the kitchen would be, and the bedrooms for his family. To make it a reality, all he needed was a loan from the bank.

At least, this was what he told the bank official. In truth, he was looking for cash to pay a smuggler to take him to the United States.

The ruse worked, and the bank, Banrural, one of Guatemala’s largest financial institutions, approved a construction loan for about $5,700. Days later, the government worker sneaked across the southwest border of the United States with the help of a smuggler.

This is “the easiest way of achieving the American dream,” said the 30-year-old government worker, who now lives in New York and works in construction. He allowed only the publication of his middle name, Yovany, for fear of retribution from the bank.