In a significant development for migration policy, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo announced that Guatemala will start accepting migrants who are deported from the United States, regardless of their country of origin. This agreement was reached during Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic tour in Central America, marking the second such deal after El Salvador’s similar commitment earlier in the week.
According to President Arévalo, the new policy will see a 40% increase in deportation flights, involving both Guatemalan nationals and those from other countries. These flights will be funded by the United States government, ensuring that the deportees are returned to their home countries.
El Salvador's agreement, as announced by President Nayib Bukele, takes this a step further by allowing deportees of any nationality, including American citizens and residents serving sentences for violent crimes, to return under similar terms. This initiative reflects a deepening cooperation in managing migration challenges in the region.
The legal dimensions of such agreements have sparked considerable debate. Former President Donald Trump expressed his mixed feelings about the legality, noting in a statement that he would support these moves if legally feasible. Marco Rubio, acknowledging these concerns, emphasized the need to navigate these legalities carefully given constitutional constraints.
Immigration has been a cornerstone of the agenda during Rubio's diplomatic mission, which includes stops in Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. This tour underscores the strategic importance of addressing migration and its challenges alongside these Central American partners.
Although this initiative marks progress, it has also coincided with controversy back home, as the U.S. administration is seen reducing the scale of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides critical support to many Central American countries. This development has led to uncertainties among U.S. diplomats and staff in the region, as evidenced by closed-door meetings in Guatemala and El Salvador.
The changing dynamics of migration policies in Central America reflect a broader strategy to manage cross-border movements more effectively. By agreeing to these terms, Guatemala and El Salvador show a readiness to play a pivotal role in the region's migration framework, which may alter the patterns of migration significantly in the years to come.
These efforts also highlight the complex interplay between national security, international cooperation, and humanitarian considerations that drive migration policy. As Guatemala steps into this expanded role, future developments will continue to shape the narratives around U.S.-Central American relations.
