The first expelled migrants from the US have arrived in Rwanda based on an agreement that provides for the transfer of up to 250 people
Rwanda © Hyotographics | Dreamstime.com
Rwanda received seven migrants expelled from the United States in mid-August, a government spokesman announced on Thursday. The statement comes a few weeks after the two countries have reached an agreement on the transfer of up to 250 people, notes Reuters.
“The first group, consisting of seven migrants verified, arrived in Rwanda in mid -August,” the government spokesman, Yolande Makolo said.
“Three of people have expressed their desire to return to the countries of origin, while four others want to stay and build a life in Rwanda. Regardless of their specific needs, they will all benefit from the appropriate support and protection offered by the Rwande Government.”
US President Donald Trump has adopted a harsh line on immigration, aiming at deporting millions of immigrants illegally in the United States and intensifying transfers to third countries.
A spokesman for the State Department on Thursday received questions about this month's deportations to the Rwanda government and refused to comment on details on diplomatic communications with other states.
“The implementation of Trump's immigration policies is a peak priority for the State Department. As Secretary Rubio said, we remain firm in our commitment to put an end to illegal immigration and mass migration and to strengthen the security of American borders,” said the spokesman.
At the beginning of August, Rwanda and the United States concluded an agreement to receive up to 250 migrants, with Washington initially sending a list of 10 people to be checked.
In recent years, RWanda has positioned as a country of destination for migrants that Western states want to transfer, despite the concerns expressed by human rights organizations, who accuse Kigali of not respecting fundamental rights.
The Trump administration claims that deportations to third countries allow a rapid removal of some migrants, including those with criminal convictions. The supporters of this policy see the transfers as a solution for the cases in which direct deportation is difficult and where there is a risk that the respective persons will be a threat to society.
Critics, however, believe that deportations are dangerous and cruel, as people can be sent to countries where they risk being exposed to violence, they have no links and do not know the language.
Makolo said at the beginning of the month that, based on the agreement with Washington, Migrants deported to Rwanda will benefit from vocational training, medical care and accommodation. On Thursday, she added that the transferred persons were accompanied by an international organization and receive visits from the International Migration and Social Services in Rwanda.
Photo: © Hyotographics | Dreamstime.com
