Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has requested U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to continue the financial assistance for deportations of migrants. The U.S. has previously contributed $1 million for deporting over 1,000 migrants crossing from Colombia. While focusing on deporting individuals from Colombia, Ecuador, and India, Mulino’s government has avoided deportations of Venezuelans due to a landing ban in Venezuela. The Darién jungle is a critical route for migrants, with significant crossings reported this year despite a decrease due to deportation flights.
In anticipation of the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, President José Raúl Mulino of Panama has urged the continuity of U.S. financial assistance for the deportation of migrants. This request stems from Panama’s reliance on the $1 million allocated by the United States to facilitate the deportation of over 1,000 individuals attempting to transit through the perilous Darién jungle from Colombia to Panama since last July. President Mulino emphasized the need for this support, asserting, “I believe it must be maintained under the Trump administration.”
Under President Mulino’s directive, Panamanian authorities have executed approximately 30 deportation flights targeting migrants from nations such as Colombia, Ecuador, and India. Notably, there has been a reluctance to deport Venezuelans, who make up a significant proportion of those traversing the jungle, due to a ban imposed by the Venezuelan government on Panamanian aircraft landing in the country. This ban was enacted in response to criticisms directed at Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro concerning his disputed electoral victory.
The Darién jungle has become a crucial corridor for migrants from South America seeking to reach the United States via Central America. So far this year, almost 300,000 migrants have successfully crossed this treacherous region, illustrating a 41 percent reduction in crossings compared to the same period in the previous year. President Mulino attributes this decline in migrant traffic, in part, to the deportation initiatives facilitated by U.S. aid.
As President Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, he has signaled intentions to initiate extensive deportations of undocumented immigrants from the United States. His transition team is reported to be compiling a list of countries, including Panama, from which migrants may be deported if their homelands refuse to accept them back. However, Panama has clearly stated its position to only repatriate its own citizens.
The subject of U.S. foreign aid and its critical role in supporting Central American nations, particularly Panama, has recently gained prominence in the context of immigration and enforcement policies. The Darién jungle represents a significant route for migrants from South America attempting to reach the United States, facing substantial challenges from natural hazards and criminal elements. Understanding the dynamic of U.S.-Panama relations concerning immigration control and deportation practices is crucial in analyzing the implications of the incoming Trump administration’s policies.
In conclusion, President José Raúl Mulino of Panama has formally requested that the incoming administration of Donald Trump maintain essential aid for the deportation of migrants. This support is vital for Panama as it navigates the complexities of immigration through the Darién jungle. Despite evolving U.S. deportation policies under Trump, Panama remains firm in its stance regarding the repatriation of its own citizens, illustrating the intricate interplay between immigration management and international relations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
