Migration conversations centered on the last day of the summit in Los Angeles, where leaders gathered for a controversial ninth Americas summit. As the assembly concluded, a joint declaration signaled a regional push, though not every participating country signed on. The document highlights a collective effort to address a phenomenon at levels unseen in history.
According to a senior official in the administration of President Joe Biden, the proposed framework calls for stronger action against irregular migration. It also emphasizes mechanisms to return migrants to their countries of origin and to expand both legal pathways for immigration and the capacity of destination countries to absorb newcomers. The plan aims to double efforts and investment in immigration matters and to maintain open channels for legal migration and refugee protection across the region.
While the agreement stresses shared responsibility and ongoing dialogue, it does not end with the signing of the declaration. The text frames the process as a long term commitment that requires continuous collaboration and adjustment as conditions change.
Special commitments
In practical terms, most signatory governments outline expansions of temporary work programs and other lawful avenues for immigration. This includes refugee settlement processes and broader family reunification pathways.
There are several targeted commitments as well. Mexico, for instance, plans to integrate 20,000 refugees into its labor market over the next three years and to introduce a new temporary work permit program for 15,000 to 20,000 Guatemalans each year. Mexico also intends to broaden a border work program to allow 10,000 to 20,000 participants. Colombia and Ecuador will strengthen regulatory oversight of Venezuelan migrants within their borders.
In the United States, the administration outlines a bold, multi-year program. Over the next two fiscal years it aims to provide protection and support for up to 20,000 refugees on the continent that hosts them. A new program within the Ministry of Agriculture is set to allocate 65 million dollars to assist the recruitment of migrants as seasonal workers. The plan also calls for an increase in seasonal work visas for workers from Central America and Haiti, along with renewed capacity for welcoming refugees from nearby islands. A family reunification initiative, including support for families from Cuba, is expected to be expanded and reactivated.