Creating a Comprehensive Framework to Promote Safe, Orderly Migration in North and Central America
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Through an Executive Order on regional migration in North and Central America, President Biden has outlined a comprehensive approach to humanely managing migration throughout North and Central America. In implementing the approach laid out by the President, the United States will be a reliable regional partner, working with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to establish a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of migration in the region; build, strengthen, and expand asylum, resettlement, and other protection systems capacity in North and Central American countries; increase opportunities for vulnerable people to find protection closer to home; and enhance lawful pathways for migration to the United States.
The United States is committed to identifying and implementing all legally available and appropriate forms of relief to complement the protection afforded through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. This review will include coordination between the Departments of State and Homeland Security to take the steps to reinstitute and improve the Central American Minors Program and pursue ways to promote family unity through U.S. humanitarian programs.
As noted in the Order, the United States intends to suspend and terminate the bilateral Asylum Cooperative Agreements with the Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The United States remains committed to working with governments in the region to address irregular migration and ensure safe, orderly, and humane migration. We are working to establish and expand a cooperative, mutually respectful approach to managing migration across the region that aligns with our national values and respects the rights and dignity of every person.
At the same time, we look to work with partners in the region to address root causes that compel individuals to migrate, including improving governance and the rule of law, fighting against corruption and impunity, addressing climate drivers of migration, and respecting human rights. The suspension of these agreements reflects our obligations under U.S. and international laws to protect refugees, and is consistent with our commitments to providing humanitarian assistance, supporting protection efforts, and building asylum capacity in these countries.
International cooperation is critical to ensure safe, orderly, and humane migration. The United States looks forward to working with our partners across North and Central America to keep families together, increase the resilience of our societies, and create a more prosperous future for all.
