First US Migrants Deported to Rwanda Under Trump Administration Deal
Seven migrants deported from the United States have arrived in Rwanda, marking the beginning of a program that will see 250 people resettled in the African nation under an agreement reached with the Trump administration.
The arrival of these individuals represents the first implementation of a controversial policy that immigration authorities say will help manage the influx of migrants at the US southern border.
Key Facts: US-Rwanda Deportation Agreement
- Seven migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August 2023
- Total of 250 migrants expected to be resettled under the program
- Four will remain in Rwanda, three opted to return to home countries
- Deal follows similar but separate UK-Rwanda agreement
- Rights groups warn deportations could breach international law
Details of the Arrival and Resettlement
"The first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August," confirmed Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo. While not disclosing their nationalities, Makolo explained that four would remain in Rwanda, with three opting to return to their home countries.
"Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government," Makolo told Rwanda's pro-government New Times news site.
International Response and Legal Concerns
Human rights organizations have raised alarms about the deportation program, warning that such actions could violate international law if people are sent to countries where they might face torture or other abuses.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been involved in assessing the needs of the arrivals. An IOM spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the organization had seen the migrants to "assess their basic needs," though further details were not provided.
Rwanda's History with Migration Agreements
This is not Rwanda's first agreement to accept migrants from Western nations. The country had previously made a deal with the UK in 2022 to accept asylum seekers, though the program was scrapped after the Labour government took office in July 2023.
Makolo highlighted Rwanda's history with displacement, noting that "nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement," referencing the country's 1994 genocide. The government maintains it can provide a safe place for migrants despite criticism of its human rights record.
Broader US Immigration Policy Context
Since beginning his second term in January, President Trump has focused on implementing a sweeping mass deportation scheme to remove undocumented migrants from the US. So far, at least a dozen nations have agreed to accept deported migrants from other countries.
The agreement with Rwanda comes amid other diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration in the region, including overseeing a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in June 2023.
Please Wait
You will be redirected automatically in 5 seconds...
If you are not redirected automatically, click here.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
0 Comments