Panama Grants Temporary Stay to Migrants Deported by the U.S.
Panama has granted 112 migrants deported by the U.S. a temporary stay of at least 30 days, with potential extensions. These migrants, primarily from Asia and the Middle East, declined U.N. repatriation help, highlighting their fears of persecution. Lawyers welcome the decision but emphasize the need for long-term solutions for asylum seekers.
Panama has announced that 112 undocumented migrants deported from the United States will be permitted to remain in the country for at least 30 days. Security Minister Frank Ábrego stated that these individuals, primarily from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, will receive temporary humanitarian permits that could potentially be extended for up to 90 days. These migrants declined repatriation assistance from the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration.
The deportees were part of a larger group of nearly 300 migrants sent to Panama as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts. Many are asylum seekers escaping violence and persecution. The group includes individuals from Afghanistan, China, Iran, and Russia, some of whom have been held in a makeshift camp near the Darien jungle.
Attorney Ali Herischi, representing several deportees, expressed concerns regarding the group’s situation, noting that many are hesitant to sign release documents due to uncertainties about their status. One Iranian asylum seeker, Artemis Ghasemzadeh, who fled due to religious persecution, emphasized her fears of returning home and her desperate need for safety, stating, “We are in danger. We are waiting for (a) miracle.”
A coalition of lawyers for the deportees has welcomed the temporary reprieve but underscored the necessity for long-term solutions, cautioning against the potential repatriation of those facing persecution. Silvia Serna Roman, a co-counsel in a pending lawsuit against the Panamanian government, highlighted the lack of protection for deportees facing threats in their home countries.
The migrants initially housed in a hotel were later transferred to a remote camp described as harsh and unsanitary, with limited access to essential services. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has defended the government’s actions, rejecting accusations of rights violations. He has asserted that the treatment of the deportees remains consistent with respect for human rights.
In conclusion, Panama’s provision of a temporary reprieve for the 112 deported migrants highlights significant humanitarian concerns and legal challenges faced by asylum seekers. The grants of temporary permits reflect an attempt to address the immediate needs of these individuals while stressing the importance of ensuring their protection against potential persecution. Ongoing legal advocacy remains critical for securing a sustainable solution to their plight.
Original Source: www.waow.com
