- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

US Suspends Financial Aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras Amid Influx of Illegal Migrants

© AP Photo / Marco UgarteMigrants on rafts reach the Mexico shore after crossing the Suchiate river on the Guatemala – Mexico border, near Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Migrants on rafts reach the Mexico shore after crossing the Suchiate river on the Guatemala – Mexico border, near Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, Wednesday, June 5, 2019 - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The US administration has long been struggling to stem the flow of illegal immigrants coming from Central American states, mostly via the Mexico. Washington recently reached a deal with its southern neighbour in an attempt to stop the migrant caravans.

US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus has announced that Washington will be suspending financial assistance to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, citing rampant illegal immigration from these countries as the reason for the move. All existing aid programmes will be funded as planned, but new ones won't be adopted.

The spokeswoman indicated that the suspension would last until the US ensures that the three countries have taken steps to prevent flows of illegal immigrants.

© AP Photo / Daniel Ochoa de OlzaA migrant jumps the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019
US Suspends Financial Aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras Amid Influx of Illegal Migrants - Sputnik International
A migrant jumps the border fence to get into the U.S. side to San Diego, Calif., from Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019

On the same day, Reuters reported, citing anonymous congressional aides, that the US presidential administration plans to divert $370 million in aid meant for Central American states secured in fiscal 2018 and suspend another $180 million that had been approved for financial aid programmes in fiscal 2017.

The announcement comes in the wake of the US securing an agreement with Mexico that the latter would deploy forces to its southern borders in order to stop migrants from Central American states from illegally crossing the border.

US President Donald Trump has long criticised Central American countries for not preventing the illegal immigration of their citizens to the US. He has also blamed Mexico, since most of these migrants reach the US’ southern borders through its territory.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала