U.S. Plans to Resettle Latin American Migrants In Greece And Italy Under Biden Initiative
The Biden administration is set to refer certain Latin American migrants for resettlement in Greece and Italy as part of a strategy to reduce the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. This initiative builds on last year’s establishment of Safe Mobility Offices in four Latin American countries, designed to provide migrants legal pathways to the U.S. or other countries, according to sources familiar with the plans.
Greece and Italy will join Canada and Spain in resettling migrants processed through these offices, with each country likely to accept up to 500 migrants. These Safe Mobility Offices, located in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala, screen migrants for eligibility to legally enter the U.S. or other participating countries. The offices aim to deter illegal crossings by offering legal immigration opportunities while pairing these programs with stricter enforcement measures.
The Biden administration’s broader strategy has contributed to a significant drop in illegal border crossings. Crossings were down over 50% in May compared to December's record high. This decrease is credited to the administration’s policies and cooperative efforts with Mexican authorities to curb northward migration.
An upcoming executive action by President Biden is expected to tighten asylum regulations further, potentially limiting most asylum claims during surges in illegal crossings. The Safe Mobility Offices have increased refugee resettlements from the Western Hemisphere six-fold, prompting discussions with other nations to expand the program.
On May 20, U.S. officials convened with diplomats from Canada, Italy, Spain, and the Safe Mobility Offices host countries to discuss the initiative. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas mentioned the collaboration with Greece in a recent interview, highlighting the program's aim to offer lawful migration pathways and reduce the exploitation of migrants by smugglers.
Italy and Greece, which have faced significant migration challenges from North Africa and the Middle East, are seen as suitable partners due to their aging populations and labor shortages. Both countries have struggled with political upheaval and the dangerous Mediterranean migration routes, but they often serve as transit points for migrants heading further into Europe.
Since the establishment of the Safe Mobility Offices in May 2023, approximately 10,000 migrants have been resettled in the U.S. through the Refugee Admissions Program. The offices in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala accept applications based on nationality, with each country’s office focusing on specific groups.
This initiative reflects a growing trend among Western nations to manage global migration crises through international agreements, addressing both humanitarian needs and domestic labor shortages.
