DistantNews
Support us
US deports first migrant to Pacific nation Palau, who leaves after two weeks
🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

US deports first migrant to Pacific nation Palau, who leaves after two weeks

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The United States has begun deporting migrants to the Pacific island nation of Palau under an agreement.
  • The first deportee arrived in late May but left the country after two weeks.
  • Critics accuse the U.S. of using Palau as a 'dumping ground' for migrants, while Palau's president sees it as a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The United States has initiated a program to deport migrants to the small Pacific island nation of Palau, a move that has drawn criticism and raised questions about the welfare of those being relocated.

We welcomed our first individual at the airport in late May, brought him to his temporary residence and helped him connect his phone and settle in.

— Palau president's officeThe office of Palau's President Surangel Whipps confirmed the arrival of the first deportee.

Under an agreement reached in December, Palau agreed to resettle up to 75 deportees in exchange for $7.5 million from the U.S. The first deportee arrived in late May, with Palau's presidential office stating they helped the individual settle in. However, the deportee reportedly left the country after only two weeks, with the reasons for their departure and their current whereabouts unknown.

Palau's President Surangel Whipps has previously described the deal as a "win-win," asserting that it helps the United States and provides a safe haven for individuals needing a place to go. The agreement stipulates that all deportees must have a clean criminal record, and Palau retains veto power over acceptances. The U.S. funds are intended for public service and infrastructure needs in Palau.

After about two weeks he decided not to remain.

— Palau president's officeThe Palau president's office stated that the first deportee did not stay long in the country.

Despite the president's positive framing, critics, including members of Palau's senate, have voiced strong opposition. Senator Hokkons Baules has accused the U.S. of disrespecting Palau's sovereignty and using the nation as a "dumping ground" for its problems. The U.S. Department of State has declined to comment on the specifics of diplomatic communications but reiterated its commitment to border security and ending illegal immigration.

It's about winning together. We help the United States, we help these nationals that need a place to go that's safe. And hopefully they can get jobs and be happy in Palau.

— Surangel WhippsPalau's President Surangel Whipps described the resettlement deal as mutually beneficial.

Palau, with a population of about 20,000, is one of the world's smallest countries. It has historically been a close U.S. ally in the Pacific. The resettlement program is part of a broader U.S. effort to expel asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, with previous deportations sent to countries like El Salvador and Uganda.

Palau's sovereignty is disrespected at this time. We feel they're dumping their problems in Palau.

— Hokkons BaulesPalau senate leader Hokkons Baules expressed criticism of the U.S. deportation policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog