Q COSTARICA — The government of Rodrigo Chaves announced on Monday the signing of a non-binding migration cooperation agreement with the United States, which allows the U.S. to propose the transfer of foreign nationals, who are not U.S. citizens, to Costa Rica, which may accept or reject each case independently.
Chaves, with the Ministra de la Presidencia (Chief of Staff) and president-elect, Laura Fernández, by his side as seen in images released by Casa Presidencial, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States, focused on the joint management of migration flows, during the visit of the Special Envoy of the Shield of the Americas, Kristi Noem, Casa Presidencial indicated in a statement.
“It is a protocol of collaboration between Costa Rica and the United States, so that Costa Rica can once again act as an ally of the United States on matters that matter in the hemisphere.” “It’s a voluntary agreement; we could reject anyone, not accept specific nationalities, but we will collaborate within the framework of our country’s human rights,” Chaves stated.
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Thus, once in Costa Rican territory, the people sent from the U.S. will be processed under Costa Rican immigration law, receiving temporary legal status while their situation is being determined. According to the Costa Rican 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 in our country illegally have the opportunity to return to their countries of origin,” Noem said.
The government indicated that it estimates up to 25 people could be transferred per week, although the number could be adjusted as determined by the country.
The meeting between Chaves and Noem was held privately and was closed to the press.
The United States will manage the necessary financial support, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will provide assistance such as lodging and food, at no direct cost to Costa Rica.
On social media, the government stated:
“Costa Rica takes a firm and decisive step in defending its national security.
“Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (sic)*, visited the Port of Caldera to observe how we are securing the entire country against drug trafficking and organized crime.
“Thanks to the support of the United States, and despite the obstacles placed in our way by the Comptroller General of the Republic, we installed scanners at APM Terminals, the Port of Caldera, the Gastón Kogan Port at JAPDEVA, and along the southern and northern borders.”
“Here, there is action, there is control, and there are results. Costa Rica is moving forward decisively to protect our people and their future,” the statement concluded.
* Somebody needs to let the person who posted that know that Noem isn’t the Secretary of Homeland Security anymore. She’s now the ‘Special Envoy of the Shield of the Americas’.