CARICOM Heads Clarify US Transit Deals Are Not Path to Migrant Settlement

Leaders across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are moving to calm public concern over draft agreements with the United States on the movement of Third Country Nationals (TCNs). In a formal statement, they insisted these arrangements are not meant to let migrants take up residence in CARICOM member states, but to support their return to countries of origin.

The clarification followed a caucus meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, where regional matters were taken up. Among the items on the table were Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that Washington has presented to individual CARICOM governments.

The regional heads acknowledged worries that smaller Caribbean countries may find it hard to manage the transit of third-country nationals. Still, they pledged that every step would be taken to ensure any transit framework does not weaken regional security or pull resources and essential services away from citizens.

They stressed that the proposed pacts would cover only temporary transit for persons without criminal records who are being sent back to their home countries. Leaders also urged the public to understand the clear difference between transit and permanent settlement.

CARICOM governments further agreed to expand public engagement on the issue, with the aim of addressing fears and sharing accurate information about what the arrangements would involve.

Reaffirming their support for safe, orderly and regular migration, the Heads of Government said migrants must be treated with dignity throughout the process.

They also pointed to the long-standing partnership between CARICOM and the United States, and noted the weight Washington has placed on securing these agreements.

According to the statement, some CARICOM member states have already signed the MOUs, while others remain in talks with US officials. The leaders also observed that 30 countries worldwide have entered similar third-country national agreements with the United States.