Palau is set to welcome 75 individuals deported from the United States as part of an agreement reached late last year. President Surangel Whipps Jr. has affirmed his commitment to this arrangement despite objections from various human rights organizations.
In defending the decision, Whipps stated that the deportees are skilled laborers and third-country nationals with no criminal backgrounds, and notably, none are citizens of Palau. The agreement will provide Palau with $7 million—approximately $93,000 per deportee—intended for support services, infrastructure improvements, and the establishment of a new hospital.
Although there is some domestic opposition to the initiative, Whipps noted that the agreement was supported by a coalition of chiefs, women leaders, and political figures before it was finalized. He emphasized the positive attributes of the individuals being deported, asserting, “These are good people, they have been working, they want a good life and a safe life. And I think that’s what Palau can offer these people.”
The deportations align with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which aims to eliminate what he perceives as undesirable elements of society. Recently, Trump also imposed visa restrictions on Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, mandating cash bonds to be paid upon visa application, which will be refunded if applicants return home as required.
Human rights advocates across the Pacific have voiced their concerns regarding the implications of Trump’s immigration policies, highlighting issues related to due process and the potential economic impact associated with the deportation of Pacific Islanders from the U.S. Nevertheless, President Whipps remains optimistic about the opportunities these new residents can bring to Palau, positioning the nation as a welcoming place for those seeking better lives.
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