Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has requested U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to preserve U.S. financial support for the deportation of migrants. With over 1,000 deportations and significant U.S. aid already provided, Mulino’s administration faces challenges with Venezuelan migrants due to restrictions from Venezuela. The ongoing migrant crisis through the Darien jungle continues to be a significant issue as Trump plans larger deportation efforts upon taking office.
In Panama City, President Jose Raul Mulino has urged U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to sustain the financial aid provided by the United States for the deportation of migrants attempting to travel to the U.S. since July, more than 1,000 migrants have been deported, with assistance of $1 million from the U.S. Mulino, who took office in May, has organized around 30 deportation flights to various countries. However, he has refrained from deporting Venezuelans, who constitute a significant portion of the migrants, due to restrictions imposed by Caracas. The Darien jungle remains a critical route for South American migrants seeking passage into the United States. In 2023, over half a million migrants traversed this perilous route, though recent efforts have led to a noticeable decline. Trump’s administration is reportedly considering a significant deportation program when he assumes office, although Panama insists it will only accept its own nationals.
The situation in Panama is indicative of broader migration challenges faced by Central American nations as migrants seek to reach the United States. The Darien jungle not only presents natural obstacles but also poses risks from criminal gangs, complicating the journey further. Panama has been vigilant in managing migrant flow, and with the impending change in U.S. leadership, the future of financial aid and policies regarding deportation remains uncertain. Mulino’s administration seeks to mitigate undocumented transit through stricter measures and international cooperation, especially with the U.S., to address these migration dynamics.
In summary, President Jose Raul Mulino of Panama has appealed for continued U.S. support in managing deportations of migrants attempting to travel northward. The overall migrant crisis continues to present challenges for Panama, especially with the fluctuating political landscape. As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency in January, both nations must navigate their respective policies on immigration and deportation, ensuring they address the complexities involved.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
