The United States and Panama agree to work together to close the Darien Gap. This area in Panama is particularly dangerous for migrants heading north to the United States. Under the agreement, the U.S. will help pay for some flights and provide other support to remove migrants who don’t have legal permission to be in Panama.

The goal of the agreement is to return some migrants back to their home countries to discourage illegal migration through Central America. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will train Panamanian officials to decide which migrants should be sent back and which can stay based on Panama’s immigration laws. Smuggling groups often use the Darien Gap as a means of transportation and take advantage of vulnerable migrants. This regional approach should help manage migration better and benefit both countries.

The United States will give equipment, logistics, and transportation support to send back migrants who enter Panama illegally. Panama’s President, Mulino, has committed to shutting down this dangerous migration route. He also wants to stop drug and human trafficking in that part of Panama.

Last year, more than half a million people crossed through this corridor in Panama. To date, over 190,000 people have crossed. Most of them are from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and China.

As always, we actively monitor ongoing updates to U.S. immigration policy. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Our team of experienced attorneys work directly with our clients every step of the way.