Liberia has agreed to receive as many as 1,200 people deported from the United States under an arrangement with the Trump administration, marking one of the largest such agreements involving an African country.
Liberian authorities said Tuesday that the deportees will be transferred to the West African country over a period of one year.
The first group, consisting of about 20 people, is expected to arrive in Liberia on Thursday, according to Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah.
Piah said the programme would include deportees from African countries and nations in the Western Hemisphere who have been medically cleared to travel.
Deportees May Seek Asylum
The Liberian government said those arriving under the arrangement would have the option of seeking asylum in Liberia if they meet the relevant requirements.
Piah also said the deportees would be free to leave Liberia if they choose to do so.
The announcement comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump intensifies its campaign against illegal immigration and expands efforts to transfer some deportees to countries other than their countries of origin.
Several African governments have entered similar arrangements with Washington, although details of some agreements have not been made public.
Concerns Over Third-Country Deportations
The policy has generated concerns among immigration and human rights advocates, particularly over the treatment of people who may face danger if returned to their countries of origin.
Some deportees transferred to third countries have had protection orders issued by US immigration judges preventing their removal to their home countries because of potential threats to their safety.
It was not immediately clear whether any of the people scheduled to be sent to Liberia are covered by such orders.
US to Support Liberia’s Migration System
Under the agreement, Liberia is expected to receive assistance from the United States to help manage the deportation programme and strengthen its migration system.
The arrangement represents a significant development in Liberia-US relations as Washington continues to seek countries willing to accept migrants deported from the United States.
The first arrivals are expected to provide an early indication of how the programme will operate and how Liberia will handle the legal, humanitarian and administrative challenges associated with receiving third-country deportees.
