The Italian government has firmly denied a recent report claiming that Italy and Greece had agreed with the United States to resettle hundreds of migrants from South America. The report, which was initially broadcast by CBS News, suggested that Italy and Greece were set to accept a large number of migrants from Latin American countries. However, both nations have rejected this claim.
Greek Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis responded to the report on X, stating unequivocally that there is no such agreement or request from the US to resettle legal immigrants in Greece. He emphasized the inaccuracies of the CBS report.
Similarly, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labeled the report as “completely misleading.” While acknowledging that Italy and the US were discussing a small-scale migrant exchange program, the Italian government clarified that these talks were in the preliminary stages and involved far fewer migrants than reported by CBS.
In an official note dated May 31st 2024, the Italian government mentioned the possibility of taking in around 20 Venezuelans of Italian origin under a proposed deal with the US. In exchange, the US would accept some migrants currently in Libya who wish to travel to Europe. Despite these discussions, a source from the Italian interior ministry made it clear that Italy was not prepared to relocate hundreds of people, citing the country’s significant existing efforts in welcoming migrants.
The CBS report also mentioned the Safe Mobility Offices (SMOs), which are regional centers established by the Biden administration in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. These centers, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), screen migrants for possible resettlement to the US or other countries. The US Embassy in Guatemala explained that SMOs aim to promote safe and orderly migration while protecting migrants from scams and rights violations. Over the past year, 10,000 asylum seekers who went through this procedure were relocated to other countries.
The Italian government noted that the idea of a small-scale migrant exchange program with the US could be beneficial for Italy and other European countries that are primary entry points for migrants. Nonetheless, the proposal has faced criticism from within Italy. Angelo Bonelli, the national spokesperson for Green Europe (Europa Verde) and Green Alliance and a Left MP, voiced strong opposition. He compared the plan to Italy’s controversial proposal to transfer asylum seeker screening to Albania. Bonelli condemned the scheme, arguing that it treats vulnerable migrants as commodities and undermines their quest for a better life