Kathmandu— The United States approved a $5 million payout to Liberia in exchange for accepting up to 1,200 migrants deported from the US who originate from third-party countries, according to reporting by The New York Times. The arrangement, initiated under the Trump administration’s efforts to tighten immigration policies, saw the first flight of twenty deportees – primarily from Venezuela and Cuba – arrive in Monrovia, Liberia's capital, on Thursday. Internal State Department documents show that Washington assessed assurances from Liberia regarding non-discrimination against the incoming migrants before authorizing the funds, intended to bolster Liberia’s immigration infrastructure and support vulnerable individuals.

Deal Details Emerge

The New York Times reported that the US State Department approved the $5 million payment in December after Liberia indicated its willingness to consider accepting migrants from other nations a few months prior. Public spending data confirms a $5 million payment was made to Liberia in January, categorized as being for “migration management activities.” The State Department declined to comment on the authenticity of leaked documents detailing the arrangement when contacted by the Times.

Liberian Government's Stance

The Liberian government has maintained that its agreement with the US was based on humanitarian grounds. In a statement released Tuesday, officials asserted that “the transfer of persons to Liberia is not a transaction with a quid pro quo,” and that no compensation or promises were exchanged for their participation in the program. However, they acknowledged receiving support to strengthen their migration system without disclosing specific details regarding the value or terms of this assistance. The government highlighted Liberia’s historical role as a haven for freed slaves and those seeking refuge.

Broader Deportation Agreements

According to data from Human Rights First, the US has entered into agreements with at least 35 nations during President Trump's second term to accept third-country deportees. The agreement with Liberia represents one of the largest such arrangements. Senate Democrats estimated in February that at least $40 million in taxpayer money had been allocated to these deals, including payments of $1.1 million per person to Rwanda and $7.5 million to Equatorial Guinea.

Legal Concerns Raised

Immigration lawyers have criticized the Trump administration’s use of third-country deportations as a means of circumventing direct repatriation challenges. They argue that this practice is excessively punitive, leaving migrants stranded in unfamiliar countries with limited resources and facing potential security risks after being deported to places where they have no prior connection.

The arrangement between the US and Liberia remains under scrutiny as legal concerns persist regarding the treatment of deportees and the financial implications of these agreements. Further details on how the funds will be utilized in Liberia are expected to emerge as the program continues.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.