KINGSTON, Jamaica -Assertion By Senator The Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Senator & Minister of International Affairs and International Commerce of Jamaica on present immigration issues:
The Authorities of Jamaica is conscious about issues amongst our residents each at dwelling and overseas relating to intensified implementation of U.S. immigration coverage. We perceive that these issues have grown due to misinformation on social media. Some claims recommend that tens of hundreds of Jamaicans will likely be deported straight away. These claims are utterly false.
Whereas new immigration enforcement measures will end in an elevated variety of Jamaicans being repatriated, there are a number of processes concerned.
The Authorities of Jamaica is watching the state of affairs intently. We’ll hold working intently with U.S. authorities. We wish to be clear that Jamaica, like many nations, should settle for its residents who’re deported.
U.S. Immigration Coverage
As a accountable member of the worldwide group and a respectful bi-lateral companion, we have now at all times honoured these obligations, with appropriate attention to due course of and human rights, as do different nations relating to the repatriation of overseas nationals who’ve violated our legal guidelines in Jamaica.
Members of the general public could want to observe, for instance, that in continuance of standard month-to-month preparations beforehand in prepare, the primary such scheduled flight for 2025, has arrived in Kingston.
We imagine it’s important for the general public to know that individuals dealing with deportation usually are not all the identical. Some have been convicted of great crimes, together with violent ones. Others could have damaged immigration legal guidelines however have been good residents and worked productively.
Public Security
From a citizen safety perspective, as a Authorities, we’re significantly involved in regards to the potential impression of the anticipated elevated return of people with severe felony backgrounds. The Nationwide Safety Council is subsequently rigorously assessing related dangers and is actively engaged in formulating methods to mitigate potential threats to public security. Making certain the safety of all Jamaicans stays our highest precedence.
The Authorities can also be involved about widespread misinformation surrounding this problem. We subsequently urge all Jamaicans to confirm data earlier than accepting or sharing it. The very best sources are official US authorities web sites. This consists of websites from related departments and congressional places of work. You may also verify our Embassy and Consulates.
Immigration Standing
For individuals who could have issues about their private immigration standing, we strongly advise in search of skilled authorized recommendation. The Jamaican Embassy in Washington, together with our Consulates-Common in New York and Miami, have compiled contact data for attorneys with a track record of helping members of our diaspora. Whereas these lists usually are not exhaustive, they supply a trusted start line for these in want of authorized steerage. They are going to be out there on the related web sites in very quick order.
The Authorities of Jamaica stays dedicated to supporting its residents each at dwelling and abroad. We’ll proceed to have interaction with U.S. authorities to make sure as greatest as doable, that immigration enforcement measures are carried out in a way that’s respectful of human dignity. We’ll proceed to watch and interact, and hold the general public suggested of additional developments as acceptable.
