Georgetown, Guyana – The government of Guyana confirmed on Saturday that it has taken delivery of the first batch of deportees under the Trump administration’s third‑country deportation program. Six individuals – three from Cuba and three from Afghanistan – arrived in the South American nation on Friday after being vetted by Guyanese authorities and found to have no criminal record.
Agreement reached after months of talks
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said his administration negotiated a one‑year agreement with the United States to host the group. “The U.S. has not made any further requests,” Persaud told the Associated Press, emphasizing that the arrangement is temporary and does not amount to permanent resettlement.
The six nationals were removed from the United States primarily because of immigration violations. Under the Assisted Voluntary Return Program, they will remain in Guyana while their immigration status is reviewed. Depending on the outcome, they may be returned to their home countries or transferred to another destination.
U.N. agency implements the program
The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) is responsible for carrying out the logistics of the program. Guyanese officials stressed that the government will not bear any housing or support costs for the deportees, as those responsibilities rest with the IOM and the United States.
Regional context
Guyana joins a growing list of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members that have accepted small groups of U.S. deportees under the same framework. St. Kitts and Nevis, Belize and St. Lucia have already received similar groups, and St. Lucia is slated to accept its first batch this week.
These arrangements reflect a broader U.S. strategy to relocate certain non‑citizens to third countries rather than detaining them domestically. While the policy has drawn criticism from immigrant‑rights advocates, the Trump administration argues that it helps enforce immigration law while reducing the burden on U.S. detention facilities.
Implications for Guyana
For Guyana, the arrival of the deportees is a diplomatic exercise that underscores the country’s willingness to cooperate with international partners on migration matters. The temporary nature of the agreement means that the government does not anticipate long‑term resource commitments.
Local observers note that the program could set a precedent for future cooperation between Guyana and the United States on migration and humanitarian issues, especially as the Caribbean region continues to grapple with the challenges of irregular migration.
Looking ahead
The Trump administration has indicated that additional groups may be sent to other willing nations under the same program. As negotiations continue, Guyana’s foreign ministry says it will assess each request on a case‑by‑case basis, ensuring that any future arrivals meet the same security and background‑check standards.
For now, the six individuals remain in Guyana pending the outcome of their status determinations, while both governments monitor the arrangement’s effectiveness and compliance with international standards.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
