In a new initiative to manage illegal immigration, the US has established bilateral agreements to deport migrants to Honduras and Uganda. This strategy has faced criticism from human rights advocates due to the potential risks for deported individuals, particularly those facing danger in their new countries.
US Expands Deportation Strategy with New Agreements in Honduras and Uganda
US Expands Deportation Strategy with New Agreements in Honduras and Uganda
The Biden administration has secured deportation arrangements with Honduras and Uganda, aiming to bolster its efforts against illegal immigration.
In a significant move aimed at addressing illegal immigration, the United States has entered deportation agreements with Honduras and Uganda. These arrangements form part of a broader strategy by the Biden administration to facilitate the return of migrants who have sought refuge or asylum at the US-Mexico border. According to reports from the BBC’s US partner, CBS, the agreements involve the return of deported individuals, including those from non-native countries.
Uganda has agreed to accept migrants from Africa and Asia, as long as they do not have criminal records. However, the number of individuals Uganda will eventually receive remains unspecified. On the other hand, Honduras is set to accept several hundred deported migrants over the next two years, including families with children, while also leaving the door open for accepting more migrants based on the evolving situation.
These agreements draw on previous efforts under the administration of former President Donald Trump, which sought to secure similar deportation arrangements globally, including nations with controversial human rights records. Since these negotiations began, at least a dozen countries have agreed to participate in accepting deported individuals, highlighting a growing international collaboration aimed at addressing migration challenges.
In recent developments, the US State Department announced a "safe third country" agreement with Paraguay that aligns with these deportation efforts. Additionally, Rwanda has agreed to resettle up to 250 migrants, contingent upon its government reviewing individual cases, sparking concerns over human rights issues. Critics warn that these deportations could violate international law by putting individuals at risk in countries known for poor human rights records.
As the Biden administration intensifies operations against undocumented migrants, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling permits deportations to third countries. However, dissenting justices and human rights experts continue to argue against this practice, asserting it infringes upon the rights and safety of migrants being sent away from safe havens.
Responses to these agreements are mixed, with support from proponents of strict immigration control, while human rights advocates caution against the implications for migration safety and legal protections.
