THE Trump administration wants Palau to accept asylum seekers currently residing in the US in a push to deport migrants to countries in which they do not hold residency.
Palau is considering a draft agreement to resettle “third country nationals” from the US who “may seek protection and against return to their home country”.
The draft agreement does not detail how many individuals may be sent to Palau, nor what the Pacific nation would receive in return.
“Both Parties shall take into account … requests by third country nationals for asylum, refugee protection, or equivalent temporary protection,” the draft agreement, seen by the Guardian, states.
“The Government of the United States of America shall not transfer unaccompanied minors pursuant to this Agreement.”
A letter from Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr regarding the draft agreement makes clear the proposal is far from final and is subject to further discussion. It also states Palau would have “full discretion to decide whether or not to accept any individuals.”