The government of Panama reported on Thursday that it did not receive any communication about an alleged proposal from the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, to send migrants to Panama who are not welcomed in their countries of origin and stressed that it has no obligation to receive them.
“In the face of news published in US media about the possibility of sending deportees to Panama from the United States, we inform that we have not received any official or unofficial communication about this proposal,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama said in a statement published on its website.
He also clarified that the country is not obliged to receive deportees from nationalities other than the Panamanian one.
“We want to maintain relations with the United States always within the framework of mutual respect. This chancellery clearly understands that our main mission is to protect the interests of the Republic of Panama,” the text concluded.
During the presidential campaign, the Republican reiterated some of the measures he would implement during his mandate, such as the massive deportation of illegal migrants, the elimination of “sanctuary cities” and the re-establishment of Title 42, a rule that allowed the expulsion of migrants for health reasons during the pandemic.
He also criticized the temporary work permits granted to migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti, and argued that these policies are “destroying” small towns and taking jobs away from US citizens, in particular the Afro-descendant and Latino community.
“They are staying with the jobs of the black population at levels never seen before. From the Hispanics too, they and their families are suffering,” Trump said.
However, Panama ruled out in 2019 the possibility of signing an agreement to become a “safe third country” to host migrants who sought refuge in the United States.
According to different information that has circulated in US media, the Republican politician is preparing a list of countries to which he could deport migrants when their countries of origin refuse to accept them.
Bahamas refused to receive flights with deported migrants
The government of the Bahamas rejected on Thursday the proposal of the president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, to accept migrants from other countries expelled by Washington.
“This matter was presented to the government of the Bahamas, but was reviewed and firmly rejected by Prime Minister (Philip Davis),” a government statement said.
He pointed out that Bahamas does not have the resources to attend to a request of that type. “The Prime Minister’s priorities remain focused on addressing the concerns of the Bahami people.”
“Since the prime minister rejected this proposal, there have been no more contacts or conversations with Trump’s transition team or any other entity on this matter,” the Executive added.