Senate Committee Urges Action for Immigrant Support

Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are pushing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to establish a parliamentary agreement with Costa Rica and Panama that would aid immigrants abroad, particularly those seeking asylum, as well as vulnerable women and children.

In a letter sent last week, Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concerns regarding the Federal Act of 2023, emphasizing the need for international agreements or non-binding instruments initiated through formal communication from committee chairs. “This letter highlights the necessity for legally written correspondence,” she mentioned.

She raised an alarm over approximately 500 third-country nationals who have been deported to Central America since February, stating these individuals may find themselves in precarious situations in Panama and Costa Rica. There, they face risks of exploitation and statelessness.

“These individuals include Iranian Christians fleeing religious persecution, Afghan women escaping the Taliban’s harsh actions, and Russians experiencing political persecution due to their stance against the invasion of Ukraine,” Shaheen underscored.

While some have opted to return to their countries, many deported migrants still linger in Panama and Costa Rica without a clear path forward.

The Trump administration intensified its crackdown on immigration during its second term, emphasizing the expulsion of violent criminals and unauthorized immigrants, but it faced criticism for actions such as limiting the asylum process and discontinuing temporary protected status.

Following Rubio’s trip to Central America earlier this year, the U.S., Panama, and Costa Rica had announced an expansion of their immigration cooperation. Human rights groups noted that numerous third-country nationals had been deported, creating what has been described as a “Black Hole” of deported immigrants. Many individuals facing deportation reported to these groups feeling endangered due to threats to their lives.

In her letter to Rubio, Shaheen requested details about measures being implemented to ensure that these individuals are not trafficked or subjected to statelessness, sexual or labor exploitation, or sent to countries where they might face torture or other harm.

“Human rights organizations indicate that immigrants unable to return home due to fears of persecution or death often reside in shelters with limited support,” Shaheen stated.

“This situation includes several young Afghan women lacking familial support. Their legal standing and futures remain uncertain as some seek asylum. Compounding challenges like financial constraints, language barriers, and unstable legal statuses leave many, especially women and children, open to exploitation.”

Shaheen pointed out that deported migrants, including about 100 children, confront similar struggles in Costa Rica. In June, the Constitutional Court of Costa Rica ordered the release of immigrants who had been removed from the U.S. and had been held in temporary shelters since February, ruling that the government had violated their rights.

“For those still present and unable to return home, their future remains uncertain,” Shaheen concluded.

She expressed hope for a prompt response.

In response, the State Department informed The Hill that, as a general practice, they do not comment on Congressional communications.