Guatemala City, by Brenda Larios -AGN- This Thursday, U.S. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar requested support for Guatemala in response to the massive migratory flow reported in the last few weeks in the Central American country.
Salazar announced through her official Twitter account that her request was sent to the Homeland Security Department Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas.
“I just sent a letter to Secretary Mayorkas demanding the Biden Administration supply Guatemala with the resources they need to stop the expected surge of migrants when Title 42 expires next week,” she stated on Twitter
The Letter
The letter stresses that in recent months Guatemala has received massive waves of migrants rushing to the southern border after the message from U.S. President Joe Biden on Title 42.
According to the document, “Guatemala, rightly, is committed to a policy of no illegal immigration. As soon as they send the people back to their neighbors, they come right back.”
In addition, the congresswoman emphasized that Guatemala is a close ally of the United States and urgently needs help.
Also, the letter details, “They have repeatedly asked the Department of Homeland Security for the resources they need in order to shut down the tidal wave of migrants heading to our country. Guatemala is a critical chokepoint on the migrant journey north. If they cannot hold the line, our border is going to be overwhelmed imminently.”
The document highlights that Guatemala needs immediate equipment and resources, such as military-grade land and air vehicles, to close its border and protect the border with the United States.
“Your Administration must recognize that we have hit crisis levels and start taking bold actions. Giving a critical partner of the United States like Guatemala the tools it needs is key to securing our border and ending this disaster now.” the letter concludes.
Title 42
Title 42 is a provision of the U.S. Code that prohibits the entry into the United States of some individuals who potentially pose a health risk. As a result, U.S. authorities executed expedited returns of irregular migrants.
This measure took effect in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistance
According to a report by the Guatemalan Migration Institute -IGM-, as of December 14, 2022, it has assisted 33,697 Guatemalans who returned under Title 42, a restriction applied by the United States. This number was reported from September 2, 2021, to December 13, 2022.
The IGM also stated that it assisted migrants at the reception centers for returnees. These are in the Guatemalan Air Force and Tecún Umán, San Marcos.
The institution mentioned that the care provided was comprehensive, with the support of 15 institutions, social organizations, and international agencies.
