Biden hosts Americas Partnership summit focusing on migration and sustainable growth

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Since taking office, President Biden has faced challenges in curbing illegal immigration. In an effort to confront the issue, the president convened with officials from 11 other nations from the Americas Friday to concentrate on shared migration challenges and building economic relationships.

The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders’ Summit aims to reduce dependence on China, strengthen the economies of the Western Hemisphere and better address the needs of millions of migrants.

[JOHN KIRBY | NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL COORDINATOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS]

Taken as a whole, this two-day summit represents a strong demonstration of the United States’ commitment to work with our partners to take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to recenter critical global supply chains in the Americas, continue to address our shared migration challenge, and build meaningful economic opportunity across the hemisphere. 

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The emphasis on irregular migration arises as countries across the Western Hemisphere have witnessed unprecedented waves of migrants crossing borders — most of them making their way toward the United States.

The dangerous trek has been a concern for U.S. and international officials. Of note, Latin American countries are seeing expansive migrant travel through Panama’s Darien Gap — a sprawling roadless jungle connecting South and Central America.

President Biden elaborated on the summit’s three-pronged migration strategy.

[PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN]

Our shared approach has three key parts one working together to stabilize migrant populations, including making sure the communities that are welcoming migrants and refugees can afford can afford to welcome them and afford to care for them.

Secondly, renewing and expanding legal pathways to promise to promote safe and orderly migration. Providing worker permits to allow migrants to contribute to our economy.

And three, enforcing our immigration laws and humane and effective ways to deter that deters dangerous irregular migration and disrupts traffickers.

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Meanwhile, the United States is still battling the growing crisis.

Cities across the U.S. continue to experience an influx of asylum seekers from various countries. Recently, majors from some of the nation’s largest cities met in Washington to request five billion dollars in funding for addressing the immigration crisis.