Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arevalo agrees to accept deported migrants from the U.S., regardless of nationality, in a groundbreaking move that could reshape regional migration policies.
Key Insights
- Guatemala will increase deportation flights by 40% for both Guatemalan nationals and other nationalities.
- El Salvador has made a similar agreement, even offering to accept American criminals convicted of violent crimes.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Guatemala to discuss immigration and related agreements.
- Guatemala plans to temporarily house migrants awaiting deportation back to their home countries, with the U.S. paying a fee for this service.
- President Arevalo emphasized that fostering development is the long-term solution to immigration issues.
Guatemala’s Unprecedented Agreement
In a significant shift in regional migration policy, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has announced that his country will accept migrants deported from the United States, regardless of their nationality. This agreement, reached during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guatemala, marks a new chapter in U.S.-Guatemala relations and potentially sets a precedent for handling migration issues in Central America.
The agreement includes a 40% increase in deportation flights, accommodating both Guatemalan nationals and migrants from other countries. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to address the ongoing challenges in U.S. immigration enforcement. Guatemala’s willingness to expand its capacity to receive and repatriate migrants from other countries demonstrates a significant commitment to regional cooperation on migration issues.
— Adam Townsend (@adamscrabble) October 23, 2024
El Salvador’s Similar Stance
Guatemala is not alone in this approach. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has made a comparable agreement, going even further by offering to accept deportees of any nationality, including American criminals convicted of violent crimes. This development has caught the attention of U.S. officials and sparked discussions about the legality and practicality of such arrangements.
“We can send them, and he put them in his jails. And, he’s also offered to do the same for dangerous criminals currently in custody and serving their sentences in the United States, even though they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents.” – Marco Rubio
While the idea of sending American citizens to serve sentences abroad raises legal questions, it has garnered interest from President Donald Trump. The potential for such agreements to alleviate pressure on the U.S. criminal justice system is being explored, although the constitutional and ethical implications remain subjects of debate.
Comprehensive Approach to Migration
Guatemala’s strategy extends beyond accepting deportees. President Arevalo has announced the creation of a new border security force aimed at reducing emigration. This multi-faceted approach addresses both the symptoms and root causes of migration, aligning with long-term solutions advocated by regional leaders.
“We have agreed to increase by 40% the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities.” – Bernardo Arevalo
Secretary Rubio’s visit to Guatemala also included discussions on counternarcotics efforts and border security. These talks highlight the interconnected nature of migration, security, and development in the region. The U.S. has shown commitment to supporting programs aligned with its national interests, with Rubio signing waivers to continue funding for certain initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As these agreements take shape, their implementation and impact will be closely watched. The success of Guatemala’s approach could influence future policies across Central America and beyond. While the immediate focus is on managing deportations and border security, President Arevalo’s emphasis on development as a long-term solution to migration pressures suggests a more comprehensive strategy is in the works.
The coming months will reveal how these agreements affect migration patterns, bilateral relations, and regional stability. As the U.S. and Central American countries continue to grapple with complex migration issues, collaborative approaches like those demonstrated by Guatemala and El Salvador may become increasingly important in shaping a coherent and effective regional migration policy.
Sources:
- Guatemalan President Agrees To Accept Deportees Regardless Of Nationality
- Guatemala gives U.S. another migrant deportation deal
