The US Chargé d'Affairs in Nicaragua, Kevin O'Reilly, described the Nicaraguan immigration authorities as lenient, and pointed out that the Central American country encourages illegal immigration of African citizens through Augusto C. Sandino International Airport.
In a message circulated on the social networks of the US Embassy in Managua, O'Reilly confirmed that many African citizens are attracted to irregular migration through Nicaragua.
“Too many West African citizens are trying to travel to the United States illegally, lured by lax authorities in Nicaragua, who irresponsibly encourage immigration and then attempt to make the dangerous and uncertain journey north,” O'Reilly said in the video.
Furthermore, he advised African citizens not to risk irregular migration, to ensure they risk their lives along the way.
“I advise you not to take any risks. Many people suffer along the way and many people die during these irregular journeys. Please do not put your fate or your life in the hands of traffickers.”
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In the video, the US Embassy shared a text emphasizing that migrants are exposing themselves to enormous danger, risking their fate and lives. “US borders remain closed to illegal immigration.”
Nicaragua has been a starting point for migration since 2021
The route that Daniel Ortega has been officially promoting since the end of 2021, with the suspension of visa requirements for Cubans and the establishment of the collection of a fine of about $150 for citizens of other nationalities who arrive without a visa, reduces the risks What it means for Africans and Asians to sail in the Mediterranean To reach Europe, from there they travel to a Latin American country to continue overland to the United States.
In addition, it shortens the route because they arrive at the Managua Air Station and from here they only have to cross Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico to reach the goal of setting foot on American soil.
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Since the visa suspension for Cubans took effect, the difference between passengers entering Nicaragua by plane and those leaving this way has begun to increase dramatically. Reports from the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN) show that between January 2022 and November 2023, 1.45 million passengers disembarked at Managua Airport, but only 830,100 left the country this way. This means that about 601,800 travelers left overland to Honduras to continue their journey in search of the so-called American dream.
On February 21, the US State Department announced an expansion of sanctions on executives and officials of water, sea, or land transportation companies that facilitate irregular migration.
“Today, the Department of State is implementing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Immigration and Nationality Law, INA) which targets owners, executives, and senior officials of charter flights, land and sea transportation companies that provide transportation services intended for use primarily by persons intending to immigrate irregularly to the United States. “This new policy expands and replaces Policy 3C on Nicaragua regarding charter flights issued in November 2023,” the State Department announcement noted.
