Approximately 2,500 Jamaicans to be deported from the United States
The United States is set to deport approximately 2,500 Jamaican nationals, a move that underscores the ongoing immigration challenges faced by both countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has confirmed that around 2,500 Jamaicans are facing deportation from the United States (US). This information was presented during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday. Ms. Johnson Smith stated this figure in order to refute claims that approximately 4,000 Jamaicans are slated to return to the island in connection with President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement measures.
The Minister seeks to clarify that the deportation of Jamaicans is not a recent occurrence, emphasizing that the Government is steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling international obligations to accept its citizens, while concurrently prioritizing national security and public safety.
“We recognise that yesterday there was a headline in a particular publication which generated significant public interest, stating that 4,000 Jamaicans were to be returned. Allow me to be clear that 4,000 Jamaicans are not being returned now. For some time, it has been in the public domain that the US authorities had close to 4,000 persons in their records with final orders for deportation against their names. It is now our understanding that approximately 2,500 have been confirmed for removal over a period of time, to be determined by logistics, their own legal processes and other factors,” she said.
Senator Johnson Smith emphasised that this is not a new phenomenon. For decades, she said, Jamaica has facilitated the repatriation of its citizens under established international arrangements. We receive our citizens when they are returned to us. Just as we expect, and we do, repatriate foreign nationals who commit serious crimes or breaches of our immigration laws. We respect the rights of other countries to do so. As immigration policies continue to evolve globally, the Government remains committed to honouring our international obligations while safeguarding national security and public safety, she noted.
She assured the general public that the Government has notably expanded the National Reintegration and Rehabilitation Strategy to effectively coordinate reintegration services for deportees.