The United States and Rwanda agreed that the African country potentially accepts hundreds of deported migrants from the United States, Rwanda government spokesman and an official told Reuters, while the administration of President Donald Trump adopts a hard line approach towards immigration.
The agreement, under which Rwanda would accept up to 250 migrants, was signed by the officials of us and Rwanda in Kigali in June, said Rwanda official, speaking under condition of anonymity, and added that Washington had already sent an initial list of 10 people to be vetoed.
“Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, partly because almost all Rwanda families have experienced the difficulties of displacement, and our social values are based on reintegration and rehabilitation,” said Rwanda government spokesman Yolande Makolo.
“According to the agreement, Ruanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Approved will receive training in the workforce, medical care and support for accommodation to boost their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest growing economies in the world during the last decade.”
The White House and the State Department did not have immediate comments. The National Security Department sent questions to the State Department.
President Donald Trump aims to deport millions of immigrants in the United States illegally and his administration has tried to increase removals to third countries, including sending criminals sentenced to South Sudan and Eswatini, previously known as Swazilandia.
In recent years, Rwanda has positioned himself as a country of destination for migrants that western countries would like to eliminate, despite the concerns of the rights groups that Kigali does not respect some of the most fundamental human rights.
In May, Foreign Minister said Rwanda was in the early stages of conversations to receive deported immigrants from the United States.
The Trump administration argues that the deportations of the third country help to quickly eliminate some migrants, including those with criminal convictions. Immigration uncomproments see the movements of the third country as a way of dealing with criminals who cannot be easily deported and could represent a threat to the public.
The opponents have criticized deportations as dangerous and cruel, since people could be sent to countries where they could face violence, not have ties and not speak the language.
The Trump administration has pressed countries to take migrants. He deported more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being members of gangs of El Salvador in March, where they were imprisoned until they were released in an exchange of prisoners last month.
The Supreme Court in June allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to third countries without giving them the opportunity to demonstrate that they could be damaged. But the legality of removals is being disputed in a federal lawsuit in Boston, a case that could be the Superior Court of Conservative Tarro.
Ruanda signed an agreement with Great Britain in 2022 to take thousands of asylum applicants, an agreement that was eliminated last year at the time the newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. No one was sent to Rwanda under the plan due to years of legal challenges.
