Palau agrees to welcome immigrants deported from the United States

A small Pacific island nation, Palau has agreed to take in up to 75 migrants deported by the United States, in a deal worth $7.5 million (about 41.3 million reais), the two governments announced. Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has accelerated deportations of undocumented immigrants, as promised during his campaign.

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Under a new memorandum of understanding, Palau will allow up to 75 third-country nationals, including the United States, to live and work in the sparsely populated archipelago, authorities said Wednesday. In exchange, Washington will provide Palau with $7.5 million for public services and infrastructure.

With around 20,000 inhabitants spread across hundreds of volcanic islands and coral atolls, Palau is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of population. Migrants arriving from the United States, who have not been charged with any crimes, will help fill much-needed vacancies in Palau, both sides added.

Mexico builds shelters for migrants ahead of US expulsions

Port on the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas on 01/22/2025; The US government promises to carry out the largest expulsion of migrants in US history — Photo: Cecilia Sanchez / AFP

Shelter for migrants in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, January 15, 2025; The country is preparing a reception center for thousands of American deportees — Photo: Cesar Rodriguez/The New York Times

A member of the Mexican Navy crosses a temporary shelter on the border between Mexico and the United States, in Matamoros, Mexico, 01/22/2025 — Photo: Quetzalli Blanco / AFP

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A member of the Mexican Navy stands guard during the construction of a temporary shelter on the Mexican-American border, in Matamoros, Mexico, 01/22/2025 — Photo: Quetzalli Blanco / AFP

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Members of the Mexican Navy begin construction of a temporary shelter on the border between Mexico and the United States, in Matamoros, Mexico, 01/22/2025 — Photo: Quetzalli Blanco / AFP

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Mexican soldiers build a temporary shelter on the border between Mexico and the United States, in Matamoros, Mexico, 01/22/2025 — Photo: Quetzalli Blanco / AFP

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Migrants from Mexico await their appointment on January 20, 2025; plan to welcome deportees involves nine reception centers at the border — Photo: Paul Ratje/The New York Times

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Aerial view of the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, 01/22/2025 — Photo: Cecilia Sanchez / AFP

“Mexico Kisses You” initiative aims to reassure undocumented migrants who face deportation from the United States

The agreement was announced following a phone call between Palau President Surangel Whipps and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. This indicates that the United States is committed to building a new hospital, improving Palau’s ability to respond to natural disasters and providing more resources to the island country.

The Palau archipelago, a chain of limestone islands and coral atolls, lies about 500 miles east of the Philippines. The country gained independence in 1994 but allows the U.S. military to use its territory under a long-standing agreement. The Trump administration signed similar agreements with countries in Africa and Latin America this year.