Guyana Receives First Deportees from US Under Third-Country Plan

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — Guyana said Saturday it has received six deportees from the United States, marking the first arrivals under the Trump administration’s third-country deportation system. The group, which includes nationals of Cuba and Afghanistan, landed on Friday. Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said the six were vetted by his administration and have no criminal backgrounds. He added they were removed from the U.S. mainly due to immigration issues. Persaud said the agreement to host the deportees came after months of negotiations. He told The Associated Press that “the U.S. has not made any further requests.” The arrangement lasts for one year and does not mean permanent resettlement, he said. Those relocated under the Assisted Voluntary Return Program will stay in Guyana while their immigration status is determined. They may eventually return to their home countries or be moved elsewhere. The U.N. International Organization for Migration is running the program, according to Guyanese authorities, who added that the government will not pay for housing or support costs. Guyana, a founding member of the 15-nation Caribbean Community, is the latest member state to receive small groups of U.S. deportees. Others include St. Kitts and Nevis, Belize, and St. Lucia, which was expected to accept its first group this week, officials said.