Guatemala agrees to accept 40% more deportation flights from the US, raising questions about the implications for repatriated individuals and the broader impact on migration dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Guatemala will increase acceptance of US deportation flights by 40%, including non-Guatemalan nationals.
- The agreement follows discussions between Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- The US plans to provide financial support to Guatemala for repatriating non-citizens to their home countries.
- The deal aims to improve migrant flow management and strengthen bilateral cooperation on immigration issues.
- Approximately 66,000 people were deported from the US to Guatemala in 2024.
Guatemala Expands Deportation Agreement with US
In a significant development for US immigration policy, Guatemala has agreed to increase the number of deportation flights it receives from the United States by 40%. This decision comes after talks between Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting a strengthened bilateral cooperation on immigration issues.
President Arevalo announced that Guatemala would not only accept more of its own citizens but also non-Guatemalan nationals deported from the US stating “We have agreed to increase by 40 percent the number of flights of deportees both of our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities”. This expanded agreement aims to address the challenges in US immigration enforcement and improve the management of migrant flows.
🇺🇸🇬🇹 | BREAKING: Guatemala Strikes Deal with the United States in Taking Back Deportees Under New “Safe Third Country” Agreement
In a significant move following Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has agreed to accept migrants from other… pic.twitter.com/TXIIJN5Ije
— Bienvenido (@bienvenido_us) February 5, 2025
US Support and Implications
The United States has pledged financial support to Guatemala to assist in the repatriation of non-citizens to their home countries. This commitment underscores the complex nature of the agreement and its potential impact on regional migration patterns.
Secretary Rubio’s visit to Guatemala is part of a broader regional tour aimed at garnering support for stricter immigration policies. The agreement with Guatemala is seen as a significant step in addressing the ongoing challenges at the US southern border.
Historical Context and Future Implications
In 2024, approximately 66,000 individuals were deported from the US to Guatemala. Under the previous administration. The new agreement is expected to significantly increase these numbers, raising questions about Guatemala’s capacity to handle the influx and the potential social and economic impacts on the country.
While the agreement aims to address immediate immigration concerns, it also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to migration in the region. President Arevalo has called for a new migration model that is both humanitarian and comprehensive, emphasizing the importance of development to reduce emigration from Central American countries.
Regional Implications and Broader Policy Shifts
The agreement with Guatemala is not isolated. Similar arrangements have been made with other Central American countries, such as El Salvador, which has agreed to accept deportees of any nationality, including American citizens and legal residents imprisoned for violent crimes. These agreements reflect a shift in US immigration policy and its approach to regional cooperation.
As these new policies take effect, it remains to be seen how they will impact the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals currently living in the United States. The increased deportation efforts, coupled with the expansion of reception countries, signal a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement that is likely to have far-reaching consequences for migrants, their families, and the countries involved in these agreements.
Sources:
Guatemala agrees to increase number of US deportation flights it accepts
Guatemala gives U.S. another migrant deportation deal
Guatemala agrees to increase deportation flights from US by 40%: President
Guatemala Agrees to Accept More Deportation Flights From US
