The United States toughens its tone on immigration

Overwhelmed by Donald Trump, who is seducing public opinion with radical measures, the American government is stepping up to the plate. It targets in particular Latin American countries which allow illegal immigration channels to be organized towards the United States.

“We will sanction those who facilitate illegal migration“… These words are those of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who participated, Tuesday evening, May 7, in a regional conference on the subject in Guatemala.

Accused of laissez-faire, the American government has long since put away the benevolent speeches given at will just after the arrival of Joe Biden at the White House. The issue of illegal immigration is more explosive than ever. She is at the cœheart of the campaign for the presidential election in November. However, a vast majority of Americans say they are seduced by Donald Trump’s program, who wants to expel 11 million illegal immigrants and deploy the army to secure the border. Joe Biden’s team has no choice: it must step up.

Nicaragua in Washington’s sights

The government is now targeting countries that are too lax and do nothing to curb illegal immigration… or even encourage it. Like Nicaragua, which has become a veritable air bridge for migration.

Thanks to the generosity of the authoritarian government of Daniel Ortega – already targeted by American sanctions – visas are distributed without counting. The candidates for exile, mainly Asian and African, therefore disembark completely legally in Managua, by charter flight, before returning – by land and illegally this time – throughout Central America then Mexico, to the American border .
Washington is now committed to sanctioning individuals involved in this type of circuit, in particular by depriving them of visas. Same punishment for the managers of Colombian maritime companies who transport migrants by boat to Panama.

“A historic challenge” for the continent

So far, Joe Biden’s government has failed to stem illegal immigration. The White House credo was to establish more legal avenues of entry. Last year, for example, a system was put in place to deport 30,000 people per month to Mexico. In exchange, 30,000 candidates from countries in difficult situations (Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua) were able to enter a course “safe and orderly” with, as a result, a two-year residence permit. It worked well… but it didn’t deter other migrants from trying their luck at the border. Antony Blinken speaks of a “truly historic challenge” that must be faced by all the countries of the American continent.