Panama and US sign Letter of Understanding on migration

The governments of Panama and the United States announced the signing of a “Letter of Understanding” on Migration Management and Protection of Migrants”, in order to take action against the irregular flow of people through the region.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, highlighted that the letter seeks to improve the management of irregular migration, expand stabilization efforts in favor of receiving communities and displaced populations, as well as increase the protection of migrants and their access to legal alternatives.

The document was signed by the Minister of Security of Panama, Juan Pino, and the charge d’affaires of the United States Embassy in Panama, Stewart Tuttle, on Tuesday, April 19.

Blinken, and the US Secretary of Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, participated in the Ministerial Conference on Migration and Protection in Panama.

“This agreement on migration management and protection of migrants is part of the general framework of migration management agreements that the United States is currently developing with its counterparts on the continent,” said Blinken.

In mid-March, it was reported that 30% of the 8,456 migrants who crossed the Darién jungle between January and February of this year came from Venezuela.

Last year 62% of migrants were Haitians, however,  but in 2022 they represent 13%.

In 2022, Venezuelans displaced Haitians as the irregular migrants who enter the most through the province of Darién on their way to the United States.