Panama’s President Appeals to Trump for Continued U.S. Aid in Migrant Deportation
Panama’s President urges President-elect Trump to continue U.S. aid for migrant deportations. The U.S. has contributed $1 million for the deportation of migrants traversing the dangerous Darien jungle. President Mulino emphasizes the need for ongoing support while navigating challenges regarding Venezuelan migrants, as deportation efforts continue to evolve amid regional political tensions.
In a significant appeal, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has urged the United States under President-elect Donald Trump to continue providing financial support for the deportation of migrants bound for the U.S. His administration has received aid amounting to $1 million aimed at reducing migrant transit through Panama, particularly across the dangerous Darien jungle. Since July, the Panamanian government has organized approximately 30 flights to deport migrants to Colombia, Ecuador, and India, with a notable decline in crossings attributed to these deportations.
Although efforts have been made to address migration, President Mulino has refrained from deporting Venezuelans, largely due to an existing ban preventing Panamanian flights from landing in Venezuela, a restriction imposed after critiques regarding President Nicolas Maduro’s electoral legitimacy. The Darien jungle remains a critical pathway for migrants from South America attempting to travel to the U.S. Despite ongoing challenges, the president remains committed to maintaining U.S. assistance under the new administration, emphasizing that Panama will only accept its own citizens for repatriation.
The appeal from President Jose Raul Mulino comes at a time when the U.S. government is reassessing its immigration policy under the Trump administration. This situation reflects ongoing challenges in Central America concerning the massive influx of migrants, particularly through treacherous routes like the Darien jungle, which has seen increased crossings in past years. The collaboration between the U.S. and Central American countries is crucial for managing migration, yet it highlights the complexities of political relationships in the region, especially with countries like Venezuela that are facing their own political turmoil.
President Jose Raul Mulino’s appeal to President-elect Donald Trump underscores the importance of continued U.S. financial support in tackling migration challenges in Panama. As deportation efforts increase, especially amidst political tensions with Venezuela, the dynamics of regional migration policy remain at the forefront of international relations. Panama is steadfast in its decision to take back only its citizens while seeking to control the flow of migrants through its territory in collaboration with the U.S.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
