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Visit of Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya to Guatemala Highlights Support for Safe, Orderly and Humane Migration and a Secure and Prosperous Guatemala
On May 26, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya concluded a productive three-day visit to Guatemala City to highlight the United States’ commitment to working with Guatemala to advance safe, orderly, and humane migration; shared democratic values; and a more secure and prosperous Guatemala.
During meetings with senior officials from the Ministry of External Relations, the Guatemalan Migration Institute, and the Ministry of Government, Under Secretary Zeya discussed bilateral efforts to #StandwithUkraine, U.S. gratitude for bilateral partnership on migration and expanded counter narcotics cooperation, and the critical importance of human rights and free and fair elections.
Under Secretary Zeya held productive discussions with Vice Ministers of Foreign Relations Karla Samayoa and Geovani Castillo regarding how the United States and Guatemala might cooperate to expand access to lawful immigration pathways for qualified individuals. Under Secretary Zeya stressed that although the pandemic-era Title 42 public health order has ended, the U.S. border is not open, and people who cross the border unlawfully without a legal basis to remain in the United States will face a high risk of swift removal. “Even as we continue to enforce our laws at the border humanely, we are also seeking to expand access to lawful immigration pathways,” Under Secretary Zeya stated. “We are not asking Guatemala to open its borders or enter into any safe third country agreement,” she continued. “Our goal is to provide legal alternatives to irregular migration to the United States. We want to save lives and reduce the risk of vulnerable migrants falling victim to human smugglers and other bad actors. Both our countries have a vital stake in this.”
Under Secretary Zeya also visited a Guatemala City reception center for Guatemalan migrants returned from the United States. At this center, which expanded in 2021 thanks to a $1.2 million investment from USAID, she witnessed how the remodeled center facilitates cooperation between Guatemalan government institutions and NGOs that support returnees during their return and reintegration process. Under Secretary Zeya thanked Guatemalan Migration Institute leadership at the center for their cooperation in facilitating the dignified, humane return of Guatemalans ordered removed from the United States. “We want to continue this type of reception and integration support as part of our broader regional efforts to promote safe, humane enforcement of immigration laws,” Under Secretary Zeya told the center’s staff.
Over the course of her visit, Under Secretary Zeya stressed the United States’ desire to work closely with Guatemala to protect its airspace and coastline, increase port security, and incinerate confiscated precursor chemicals. On May 25, she visited an incinerator for seized controlled substances and precursor chemicals at the Finca Estanzuela site with Minister of Government Napoleon Barrientos. There, Under Secretary Zeya highlighted that since 2013, the United States has invested over $2 million to support development of the incinerator. “We hope to continue working very closely with Guatemala on issues like these as part of our longstanding partnership to increase security in both our countries and in the region,” she declared.
Under Secretary Zeya also met with journalists, justice sector actors, anticorruption activists, and key civil society organizations to solicit their views on supporting human rights and fighting corruption and impunity. “Due process, respect for human rights, accountable governance, and free and independent media are all cornerstones of thriving democracies,” she explained.
Under Secretary Zeya noted the U.S. government’s support for free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections. She further noted that freedom of the press, judicial independence, and transparent electoral processes are key to attracting investment and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The United States remains committed to working toward a safer and more prosperous future for the people of Guatemala by advancing human rights, good governance, and citizen security through its partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and all levels of government.
The United States remains committed to working toward a safer and more prosperous future for the people of Guatemala by advancing human rights, good governance, and citizen security through its partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and all levels of government.
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