Guatemala City, by Brenda Larios -AGN- Four departments started receiving applications from people looking to migrate to the United States through the Secure Mobility program.
The governments of Guatemala and the United States launched the Safe Mobility Program to reduce irregular migration in Central America.
The IOM reported to The Associated Press that during June, they scheduled appointments and interviewed people requesting refuge, family reunification, or visas to reach U.S. territory to determine their eligibility for the program.
Care and Protection CentersÂ
Care and Protection Centers for Migrants and Refugees are located in the departments of:
- Quetzaltenango
- Izabal
- San Marcos
- Chiquimula
The Safe Mobility Program started on June 12. The program includes a web page where people can submit their requirements to apply for family reunification, refugee status, and temporary work visas.
People from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua have applied for the program.
The Applications
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have an email address, a valid telephone number or international data plan, a stable internet connection, digital photographs of themselves and their family members, and a scan or photo of their ID documents.
According to the website, anyone in the Central American Free Mobility Agreement -CA-4-meaning citizens of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua residing in their countries can apply. However, only some people who request an evaluation will qualify for or benefit from the program.
About the Program
The Safe Mobility Program resulted from the expiration of Title 42, an immigration restriction implemented during the pandemic, which consisted of immediately expelling migrants who arrived at the U.S. borders without having applied. It also resulted from the decision to keep Title 8, which penalizes migrants who attempt to cross the border illegally.
According to official statistics, more than 60,000 Guatemalans have been deported since 2020, with the implementation of Title 42.
