WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
The United States does not comment on the details of diplomatic communication with other countries within the framework of the strategy of deportation of foreign citizens without regulated status, the US Embassy in Podgorica told Radio Free Europe (RSE).
The reason for the inquiry was information published by the American Bloomberg on June 6, that the administration of US President Donald Trump is trying to convince Balkan countries to accept deported migrants, mostly from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, whose temporary legal status in the US has been revoked.
When asked by RSE whether the requests for the acceptance of migrants undesirable in America also apply to Montenegro, the Embassy did not provide a precise answer. They said that countries in the region are involved in contacts within a broader strategy.
"American partners and regional leaders are working closely with us to end the crisis of illegal and mass migration".
The diplomatic mission reminded that the implementation of the immigration policy of the administration of President Donald Trump is one of the top priorities of the State Department.
- The removal from the United States of aliens for whom there are final orders of removal and the deportation of illegal immigrants protects the United States from foreign terrorists and other threats to national security and public safety - the response reads.
The Embassy also states that continued cooperation with foreign governments is essential to deterring illegal and mass migration, as well as for border security.
"As Secretary of State Rubio said, we remain unwaveringly committed to ending illegal and mass migration and strengthening the security of America's borders. To this end, every country must urgently accept the return of its citizens who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States."
In some cases, cooperation with other countries could be done to facilitate the removal from the United States of third-country nationals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States, the Embassy concludes.
What did Bloomberg announce?
The American Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration is trying to convince Serbia and other Balkan countries to accept migrants who have been deported from the United States.
The requests are reportedly part of the US administration's strategy to seek partner governments to accept foreign nationals, mostly from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, whose temporary legal status in the US has been revoked. This was made possible by the US Supreme Court in May.
Bloomberg states that regional offices of the US State Department have been tasked with presenting the idea to potential partners. It is not known whether any agreements have been reached so far.
In April, the Wall Street Journal also reported that Washington was considering the possibility of deporting migrants to Moldova, Kosovo and other Balkan countries, but Serbia and Montenegro were not mentioned at the time.
An earlier inquiry by RFE/RL to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the possible deportation of Montenegrin citizens did not receive a response.
Italy previously relocated migrants to Albania
An agreement to accept deported migrants would not be a precedent in the Balkans.
A similar deal was reached between Italy and Albania, after Italian Minister Giorgia Meloni pressured Balkan countries to set up migrant centers for those stranded at sea trying to reach Europe from Africa.
In April, Italy relocated a group of 40 rejected asylum seekers to Albania, activating a cooperation agreement signed with the authorities in Tirana for the end of 2023.
The migrants were transported from the port of Brindisi to new detention centers in the Albanian towns of Shenjin and Xhader.
Under the 800 million euro deal, Italy has the right to send up to 3,000 migrants per month to Albania for the next five years to process asylum applications and provide temporary accommodation.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni called the agreement "a key step in the fight against illegal migration".
However, several Italian courts have already ordered the return of migrants from Albania back to Italy in previous attempts, arguing that international conventions and the rights of asylum seekers are violated.
Legal experts and human rights organizations have warned that the model is not based on European Union law.
Public reactions divided
In Italy and Albania, the agreement has met with mixed reactions.
While politicians in Rome and Tirana have welcomed the cooperation, NGOs and local communities have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency of the process and possible abuses of migrants' rights.
- The relocation of migrants to third countries that are not part of the EU represents a serious precedent that could open the door to further human rights violations - Francesco Ferri of ActionAid has previously warned.
The agreement with Albania is being closely watched by other European countries, including the Netherlands, which is considering similar arrangements with countries outside the EU.
