According to an official statement, US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorcas on Tuesday signed a cooperation agreement to address the flow of regional migration in Costa Rica.
“The document examines options for strengthening the fight against smuggling of migrants and human trafficking, as well as strengthening ongoing programs for migrants, asylum seekers and refugee integration,” the Costa Rica government said.
“This contract speaks of opportunities (...). When we invest in people, opportunities become reality.We create opportunities for development and ways to achieve people of their dreams of a better life.” Majorcas said.
“We hope to sign these agreements across the region.” He added.
Costa Rica is one of the transit countries for migrants migrating from south to north to the road to the United States.
Carlos Alvarado, President of Costa Rica, who met with Mallorca, said: “I understand it is influenced by many factors, including climate change, uncertainty, lack of opportunities and education,” said Carlos Alvarado (...) (Migration problems) must be resolved.” He said.
The agreement aims to “expand international support from donors and multilateral funding institutions” from countries that accept immigrants and refugees on a large scale.
“We chose Costa Rica as our first partner and friend to sign this important agreement through our leadership on matters relating to the region and, frankly, the world,” Majorcas explained.
After visiting Mexico, officials arrived in San Jose to meet with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
The Mexican authorities insisted on the need to invest in Central America and create greater opportunities that prevent the population from migrating.
In recent years, the flow of undocumented foreigners has increased, and Washington has tightened its migration policy.
Democrat Joe Biden's administration facilitated the passage of asylum seekers, but the judge ordered to resume a program initiated by former Republican President Donald Trump, forcing candidates to wait for a response from the United States in Mexico.
In 2021, violence, lack of opportunities, climate change, and the destruction of the Covid-19 pandemic led to nearly a million Mexicans and Central America to escape from their country, according to the United Nations.
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