Trump-led DHS cancels safe-haven programs for Hondurans, Nicaraguans
The programs are slated to end in 60 days. DHS has offered immigrants $1,000 and a free plane ticket to remove themselves to their home countries.
As President Donald Trump strengthens immigration enforcement, courts have temporarily halted the cancellation of temporary immigration programs for other countries. But the Supreme Court ruled recently that Trump could end safe-haven programs.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Biden administration "abused" the program and said "we're not going to tolerate that any further."
"It is not meant to be a permanent path to residency or citizenship here in the United States of America," Leavitt told reporters July 7. "If individuals from these countries want to come here, they have a legal pathway to do it, but temporary protected status was never meant to be permanent."
The temporary status for Hondurans covers about 72,000 people in the U.S., according to DHS.
But Noem found that Honduras has become a popular destination for tourism and real-estate development. Reports indicate that nearly 96% of Hondurans have access to a basic water source, nearly 84% can access basic sanitation and 93% have access to electricity, according to DHS.
"Honduran citizens can safely return home, and DHS is here to help facilitate their voluntary return," Noem said.
The temporary status for Nicaraguans covers about 4,000 people in the U.S., according to DHS.
But Noem found the country had become a worldwide tourist destination. Technology is helping the country improve its agriculture and fishing. The country has built key bridges to mitigate flooding and developed about 124 miles of roads, according to DHS.
"The environmental situation has improved enough that it is safe enough for Nicaraguan citizens to return home," Noem added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
8 minutes ago
- The Independent
Crucial exemption allows majority of Canadian and Mexican goods to be shipped to US without tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump raised the tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% last week, but a key exemption for Canada and Mexico shields the vast majority of goods from the punishing duties. Goods that comply with the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade pact that Trump negotiated during his first term are excluded from the tariffs. Here's a look at Trump's tariffs on the two countries and their exemptions: Most Canadian exports reaching the U.S duty free Canada's central bank says 100% of energy exports and 95% of other exports are USMCA compliant. The Royal Bank estimated that almost 90% of Canadian exports appear to have accessed the U.S. market duty free in April. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the commitment of the United States to the core of USMCA, reaffirmed again last week, means the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest, and over 85% of Canada-U.S. trade continues to be tariff free. 'Canada is better off than any of the trading partners right now because the Americans appear to be relying as a default on USMCA,' said Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association. 'That gives them the tough tariff headline but also allows them the access to the stuff they need from us. Because of that we're in a relative better position.' Canadian and Mexican companies can claim preferential treatment under the USMCA based on where the products are made. 'The headline news is 35% tariffs but it's somewhat targeted,' said John Manley, Canada's former industry minister, finance minister, foreign affairs minister and deputy prime minister. Manley said Canada is doing okay despite the economic uncertainty. 'There is a lot of resilience I'd say. The Canadian economy has done relatively well, better than most of us expected, and remember that there is no tariffs on any of our energy exports," he said. 25% tariffs on Mexican goods target a small slice of trade Trump said last week he would enter into a 90-day negotiating period with Mexico, also one of America's largest trading partners. The current 25% tariff rates are staying in place, down from the 30% he had threatened earlier. But that 25% only applies to the fraction of Mexico's trade with the U.S. that isn't covered by the USMCA. Shortly after speaking with Trump on Thursday, President Claudia Sheinbaum said that within the 'new commercial world order,' Mexico was still the best positioned nation because of the free trade agreement. 'What's within (USMCA) has no tariff, with the exception of what we already know: autos, steel and aluminum; and what is outside the treaty has 25%,' Sheinbaum said. But Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard pointed out that under the USMCA no tariffs were paid on more than 84% of Mexico's trade with the United States. Most imports from Canada and Mexico are still protected by the USMCA, but the deal is up for review next year. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said last month: 'I think the president is absolutely going to renegotiate USMCA." Preserving the free trade pact will be critical for Canada and Mexico. 'It would be an incredible disruption to lose it especially if you lost it to the levels of tariffs Trump is imposing, 30%, 25% or even 20%. You can absorb a single digit tariff level across the board but you can't adjust that kind of increase,' Manley said. More than 75% of Canada's exports go to the U.S. while more than 80% of Mexico's exports go there. Manley said that depending on how the trade war plays out the risk to the USMCA is very high. 'Uncertainty in business is the enemy of decision making," he said. Charging for access Carney said in a series of recent agreements with other countries that America is, in effect, charging for access to its economy. Manley said the investment thesis for Canada is pretty straightforward as Canada is rich in natural resources, has a skilled labor force, is open to immigration and has unfettered access to the U.S. market, the largest economy in the world. 'If that latter point is no longer the case, we've still got all the others, but we've got to really redevelop the investment thesis for attracting investment to Canada,' Manley said. Trump has some sector specific tariffs, known as 232 tariffs, that are having an impact. There is a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports and a 25% tariff on auto imports, though there is a carve-out for Canadian and Mexican made cars. 'Despite our advantages, certain major Canadian industries are being severely impacted by U.S. trade actions. These strategic sectors include autos, steel, aluminum, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and of course, softwood lumber,' Carney said Tuesday. 'It is clear we cannot count or fully rely on what has been our most valued trading relationship for our prosperity.' ___
Scottish Sun
8 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rwanda hostel spruced up with £20m of Brit taxpayer cash to receive first deportees — from America
Some will enjoy hotel-quality facilities at Hope Hostel SCHEME TRUMPED Rwanda hostel spruced up with £20m of Brit taxpayer cash to receive first deportees — from America Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Rwanda hostel spruced up with £20million of British taxpayers' money to house our unwanted migrants is to receive its first deportees — from America. Rwanda is taking in 250 migrants thrown out of the US under Donald Trump's mass removal programme. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Rwanda is taking in 250 migrants thrown out of the US under Donald Trump's mass removal programme Credit: Getty Some will enjoy hotel-quality facilities at Hope Hostel, which was readied under the then-Tory government's deportation scheme last summer. The £700million plan was ditched when Labour won the election. Trump is now pushing ahead with his scheme. A Hope Hostel source told The Sun yesterday: 'We are always ready to provide the best services to the customers.' Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo confirmed those arriving in the country would be given support. She added: 'Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. 'Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare and accommodation support to jump-start their lives in Rwanda.' The initial agreement — signed last month — is for 250 people but can be extended if both countries agree. Britain signed its agreement in 2022. Four UK arrivals were sent to Rwanda but that was under a separate voluntary scheme and did not involve their moving into Hope Hostel. Ismael Bakina, boss of the private operator of the hostel, said the US arrivals would be surprised at the quality of the services offered, adding: 'This is not a prison or a detention centre.' I visited Rwanda's £20m 'migrant hotel' where UK asylum seekers will stay – it's got Premier League on TV & footie pitch
The Independent
38 minutes ago
- The Independent
Trump attempting new Israel deal as Netanyahu considers full Gaza takeover
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly pursuing an 'all or nothing' agreement to end the conflict in Gaza, demanding hostage release and Hamas disarmament. Netanyahu is said to be considering a full military takeover of Gaza, despite warnings from former Israeli security officials about the risks to hostages and the humanitarian situation. Growing domestic and international pressure is mounting for a ceasefire deal, intensified by reports of widespread starvation in Gaza and videos of emaciated Israeli hostages. Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has indicated plans to rebuild Jewish settlements in Gaza, viewing the conflict as an opportunity for expansion. A UN-backed food security agency has warned of a 'worst-case scenario of famine' in Gaza, with a UN special rapporteur accusing Israel of creating an 'efficient starvation machine'.
