The Biden administration is planning to refer some migrants in Latin America for resettlement in Greece and Italy as part of an effort to discourage people in the region from traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border. This initiative would involve migrants processed at immigration offices set up in four Latin American countries being welcomed by Greece and Italy. The centers, known as Safe Mobility Offices, allow certain migrants in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala to apply to come to the U.S. or other countries legally. Italy and Greece would likely accept a relatively small number of migrants, roughly 500 or fewer each.
The Biden administration’s strategy to reduce illegal crossings at the U.S. border includes offering would-be migrants legal immigration opportunities, paired with tougher enforcement measures such as a rule that presumes migrants are ineligible for U.S. asylum if they failed to seek protection in a third country. Unlawful crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have decreased by more than 50% in May compared to a record high reported in December, which officials attribute to their policies and efforts by Mexican officials. To prevent a potential spike in migration, President Biden is preparing to issue an executive action that would bar most asylum claims when illegal crossings soar.
The Safe Mobility Offices have enabled a six-fold increase in the number of refugees resettled from the Western Hemisphere, according to a State Department spokesperson. The initiative to resettle migrants in Greece and Italy is part of diplomatic discussions with other countries to expand lawful pathways for resettlement. Meetings with diplomats from Canada, Italy, Spain, and the countries hosting the Safe Mobility Offices have taken place to discuss the initiative. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has indicated an agreement with Greece to build lawful pathways for individuals to arrive in the country.
The plans to divert some Latin American migrants to Greece and Italy reflect a trend of managing migration crises through international deals. Both Italy and Greece have experienced large numbers of migrants fleeing wars and poverty in North Africa and the Middle East, creating challenges and political tensions. However, both countries serve as transit points for migrants hoping to settle elsewhere in Europe, and they also face aging populations and labor shortages, which incentivizes them to resettle foreign workers. The Safe Mobility Offices were first announced in 2023 as hubs for the U.S. to determine whether migrants qualify for different options to enter the U.S. legally.
The U.S. has resettled approximately 10,000 migrants who were processed at Safe Mobility Offices through the Refugee Admissions Program. The host countries determine who can be processed at the offices, with different countries accepting applications from specific migrant groups. The move to resettle some migrants in Greece and Italy is a part of larger efforts to provide legal pathways for migration and deter illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. By working with other countries to offer resettlement options, the U.S. hopes to address migration challenges and alleviate pressures on border security.
