The Costa Rican government announced earlier this week the signing of a non-binding migration cooperation agreement with the US, which authorizes the transfer of deported foreigners who are not US citizens to the Central American country.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chávez signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Washington, focused on the joint management of migratory flows, during the visit of the special envoy of the Shield of the Americas, Kristi Noem, according to the Office of the Presidency of the Republic in a press release.
“This is a collaboration protocol between Costa Rica and the US, so that Costa Rica can once again act as an ally of the US on matters relevant to the hemisphere. It is a voluntary agreement; we can reject anyone, not accept specific nationalities, but collaborate within the human rights framework in our country,” said Chávez.
Thus, once in Costa Rican territory, individuals deported from the US will be processed in accordance with Costa Rican immigration law, receiving temporary legal status while their situation is analyzed. According to the government, the agreement guarantees respect for human rights, including protection against return to countries where they may face danger or persecution.
“We are very proud to have partners like the president and Costa Rica who are working with us to ensure that people who are undocumented in our country have the opportunity to return to their home countries,” Noem said.
The Costa Rican government has indicated that it estimates that up to 25 people could be transferred per week, although the number may be adjusted as determined by countries.
The meeting between Chávez and Noem was private and closed to the press. President-elect Laura Fernández also participated in the meeting, as shown in images released by the Presidential Palace.
The US will administer the necessary financial support, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will provide assistance such as accommodation and food, at no direct cost to Costa Rican authorities.
