U.S. to Expand Processing of Central American Refugees
The Obama administration has experienced difficulties formulating a coherent approach to the issues raised by Central Americans fleeing widespread violence in their homelands. It recently has come under fire for the announcement of raids designed to arrest and deport Central Americans who are subject to removal orders.
As part of an effort to address concerns with the numbers of Central Americans coming to the United States, Secretary of State John Kerry earlier this week announced that the United States will further expand the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to help vulnerable families and individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, offering a safe and legal alternative to the dangerous and irregular journey many are currently taking in the hands of human smugglers. The U.S. “will collaborate with UNHCR and its NGO partners to identify persons in need of refugee protection – people targeted by criminal gangs, human rights defenders who have been targeted, and others. We also continue to explore additional options, including for those who may be at imminent risk of harm. Expanding resettlement opportunities is a key part of our broader response to the situation in the Northern Triangle, and the needs of refugees around the world.”
The announcement was vague on the details and there are not many in the various press reports about the announcement
Expanded refugee admissions processing would seem to only help reduce the flow of migrants from Central America if increased numbers of refugees were admitted by the United States. In fiscal year 2015, the President only proposed the admission of 4000 refugees from all of Latin America. If the numbers are not increased to improve th elikelihood of obtaining refugee status, persons fearing for their safety may simply take the risk of journeying to the United States and seek entry without authorization.
Expanded refugee processing would not address the migrants from Central American who have already come to the United States. Other forms of relief., such as Temporary Protected Status, might allow these migrants to have refuge here.
KJ