Deputy Silvia García proposes PARLACEN initiative to support deported migrants

Guatemala.- Silvia García, a Dominican representative in the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), has introduced an initiative aimed at strengthening regional programs for the economic and social reintegration of migrants who have been deported due to U.S. immigration policies. The proposal, which has received support from various parliamentary groups, urges the presidents of Central American Integration System (SICA) member states to establish a regional mechanism to guide the reintegration process. García emphasized the need for coordinated institutional efforts to assist returnees in rebuilding their lives.

Her initiative suggests that local and municipal governments within SICA countries take an active role in facilitating the economic and social reintegration of deported migrants. This includes raising awareness and fostering social cohesion. Additionally, she recommends the development of a regional protocol to address the migration crisis, ensuring inter-institutional coordination for returnee assistance. The proposal advocates for comprehensive reintegration efforts, including psychological support, job opportunities, education, and healthcare, to prevent repeated migration attempts.

García highlighted the severe challenges faced by many returnees, including economic hardship and social displacement, which make reintegration difficult and often traumatic. She reaffirmed PARLACEN’s commitment to defending migrant rights and acknowledged that while some countries have implemented supportive programs, further legislative and institutional efforts are needed. She warned that the issue is likely to intensify under the current U.S. administration, reinforcing the urgency of regional cooperation.