As part of a collaborative effort, the United States and Panama have signed a memorandum of understanding designed to reduce illegal migration through the perilous Darien Gap. Under the agreement, the US commits to covering the cost of repatriation, while offering equipment and assistance to enhance Panama's capacity to manage irregular migration.
The United States and Panama have entered into an agreement to curb the flow of migrants through the treacherous Darien Gap and offer support for their repatriation. The memorandum of understanding, signed during the inauguration of Panama's new president, José Raúl Mulino, marks a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration in the region.
US and Panama Partner to Curb Darien Gap Migration, Offer Aid for Repatriation
The Darien Gap, which connects Panama and Colombia, has emerged as a major transit point for migrants from across the Southern Hemisphere, with hundreds of thousands seeking to reach the United States. The treacherous journey often involves navigating dense jungles, rivers, and dangerous terrain, making it one of the most hazardous migratory routes in the world.
The agreement aims to reduce the number of migrants being smuggled through the Darien Gap and deter irregular migration in the region. The US has committed to providing funding for the repatriation of migrants who illegally enter Panama. This will involve covering the cost of charter flights or commercial airplane tickets to return migrants to their home countries.
US and Panama Partner to Curb Darien Gap Migration, Offer Aid for Repatriation
To strengthen Panama's immigration enforcement, the US will provide equipment, transportation, and logistics to support the training of personnel and the development of expertise to determine which migrants can be removed from the country under Panama's immigration laws. Senior administration officials clarified that the US is not responsible for deciding who to deport, and that the program will be entirely under Panama's control.
The agreement aligns with Panama's commitment to clamp down on illegal migration, as expressed by President Mulino during his inauguration speech. Mulino pledged to shut down migration through the Darien Gap, denouncing its exploitation by drug and human trafficking organizations.
The initiative complements other measures undertaken by the Biden administration to address the challenges of immigration and border security. In June, President Biden announced a policy to cut off access to asylum for certain migrants arriving at the southern border. According to Homeland Security officials, these restrictions have led to a 40% reduction in the number of encounters by Border Patrol.
The administration has also implemented a program that allows certain US citizens' spouses without legal status to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship without leaving the country. This action is estimated to benefit approximately half a million immigrants.
By collaborating with Panama, the US aims to improve regional security, deter irregular migration, and provide support to vulnerable migrants while respecting the sovereignty of both countries.
