TEGUCIGALPA – A U.S. plane returned 26 women and children to Honduras this morning, as part of the ongoing enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. The families had exhausted their legal appeals to remain in the United States, after entering the country without documents in recent months. Ambassador James Nealon traveled to Soto Cano to greet the U.S. personnel who ensured the Hondurans’ safe return. He also met with First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez, who led a Honduran government delegation welcoming the Hondurans home.
“The consequences are clear for families who fail to comply with U.S. immigration law. They all received the opportunity to apply for legal relief before our immigration courts. In processes that safeguarded their human rights, our courts determined they were not qualified to remain in the United States.”, Ambassador Nealon said. “I urge others who are thinking of migrating not to be fooled by false promises of human smugglers. They lie about the dangers of the journey, and they lie about what will happen when you reach the United States.”
Ambassador Nealon emphasized that the United States Government remains committed to working with Honduras in addressing the underlying causes that drive some to leave. The newly approved U.S. budget includes 750 million dollars to support regional governments’ efforts to boost their economies, improve citizen security, and strengthen the rule of law. Our shared goal, he said, is for Hondurans to be able to envision their children’s future in a safe and prospering Honduras.
