In a new move that is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to deal with migration issues, Kosovo, Europe’s youngest country, has agreed to temporarily house a group of deported migrants.
The arrangement involves accepting migrants who are not citizens of Kosovo, marking a continuation of the administration’s broader strategy to push countries around the world to accept deported migrants, including those from nations that may not want them back.
The deal involves the relocation of 50 deported individuals, but the specifics of which countries these migrants are from remain unclear.
The Agreement Between Kosovo and the U.S.
The U.S. and Kosovo officials confirmed the deportation arrangement to CBS News. Under this agreement, Kosovo will host 50 migrants who are being deported from the U.S. but are not originally from Kosovo.
The individuals will be temporarily relocated while the Kosovar authorities work on finding a way to return them safely to their home countries. Kosovo’s embassy in the U.S. issued a statement confirming their willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on this matter.
The embassy clarified that the agreement will allow Kosovo to take in these deported individuals for a short time and help them return home.
However, Kosovo will have the opportunity to select who among the deportees can be relocated, ensuring that the individuals meet specific criteria, such as respect for public order and the rule of law.
This arrangement highlights the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to find ways to deal with migrants whose home countries refuse to accept them.
Background on Kosovo and the U.S. Relationship
Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, is recognized by over 100 nations, including the United States. However, Serbia and some other countries do not recognize Kosovo’s independence. Despite this, Kosovo has maintained strong ties with the U.S.
For example, after the U.S. military’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Kosovo agreed to temporarily house Afghan evacuees who were in need of additional vetting due to security concerns.
Kosovo’s relationship with the U.S. remains significant, especially in light of the country’s ongoing support in international matters. Kosovo views the U.S. as one of its most important allies. By agreeing to this deportation deal, Kosovo is further cementing its cooperation with the U.S. on international migration issues.
The Trump Administration’s Global Efforts to Address Migration
The Trump administration has been pushing countries across the globe to accept deported migrants as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
This strategy involves deporting migrants who cannot be returned to their home countries because of strained diplomatic relations or refusal from those nations to accept their citizens back.
In the past, the U.S. has sent migrants to other countries, such as Costa Rica and Panama, as part of similar deportation deals. For example, over 200 Venezuelans accused of gang affiliations were sent to El Salvador, where they were imprisoned in a notorious mega-prison.
Additionally, there were attempts to deport migrants to conflict zones like Libya and South Sudan, although these efforts faced legal challenges in U.S. courts.