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353 Fijians face US deportation

Fiji on High Alert: 353 Nationals Face US Deportation

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Approximately 353 Fijians are facing final orders of removal as indicated in a report by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), specifically from their non-detained docket. This information was highlighted in a breakdown provided to Fox News last November, which outlined the status of non-residents in the US.

As of now, there are around 1.4 million non-citizens in the United States, and these Fijian nationals may potentially be sent back to their home country as the US increases its efforts to deport illegal immigrants.

Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua remarked that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is taking lead on matters related to repatriation. He emphasized cooperation between Fiji and US law agencies, noting that they share information about Fijian citizens who may have engaged in criminal activities. “If someone has already registered in the US justice system as a drug offender, we will know this person,” Tikoduadua stated, while also expressing the hope that the US would notify Fiji before deporting its citizens.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad acknowledged the reports but asserted that it is too early to determine if these individuals will indeed be deported. He added that discussions about repatriation costs to the Fijian government are premature.

With Fiji noted to have the highest number of non-citizens from the Pacific facing removal orders, other nations listed include Australia, New Zealand, and several island nations, albeit with significantly lower numbers of individuals affected.

The situation underscores the complexities and challenges faced by Pacific nations in dealing with the repatriation of their citizens from foreign jurisdictions, particularly in the context of international cooperation in law enforcement.

While the news may appear concerning, it also presents an opportunity for the Fijian government to strengthen its engagements with the US on legal and humanitarian grounds, ensuring the welfare of its citizens abroad. This situation could lead to improved monitoring and support systems for Fijians living in the United States.

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