President-elect Donald Trump's team is devising a robust strategy aimed at Latin America to tackle the issue of large-scale deportations, as per sources involved in transition policy discussions. The administration is gearing up to implement a hardline approach towards the region, which is a significant source of migration to the United States.
During his first term, Trump employed various tactics such as sanctions, tariffs, and threats to address migration issues. In the upcoming term, Latin America will remain a focal point in efforts to control migration and repatriate undocumented individuals in the US.
Deportation processes often rely on diplomatic relations, posing challenges when dealing with countries with strained ties. The new strategy aims to engage forcefully, leverage allies, and potentially impose consequences on non-compliant nations to ensure cooperation in deportations and migration control.
The plan emphasizes close collaboration with Mexico to manage migration flows, reinstating agreements that restrict asylum seekers passing through certain countries, and working with Panama to halt migrant movements through the Darien Gap.
Regional partners' cooperation is crucial for the success of the strategy, with incentives and pressure points identified to encourage countries to comply with deportation requests.
The administration is also prepared to reintroduce sanctions on countries like Venezuela if they fail to cooperate in deportation efforts. The evolving migration landscape in the Western Hemisphere, exacerbated by the pandemic, has led to increased border pressures and challenges in deportation processes.
The Biden administration has made progress in certain areas, such as conducting repatriation flights to China. However, governments in the region are bracing for Trump's anticipated tough stance on migration, preparing for potential disruptions and leveraging opportunities.
Trump's proposed deportation policies could have far-reaching impacts on the region, particularly on economies reliant on remittances from the US. The administration is reviewing programs like 'remain in Mexico' and negotiating the re-implementation of Asylum Cooperative Agreements to reshape US asylum policies.
While the US holds significant leverage in migration matters, experts caution that challenges and complexities may impede the administration's intended approach.
