Palau, a country in the western Pacific Ocean that consists of some 340 coral and volcanic islands, signed an agreement with the Trump administration to take in up to 75 “third-country nationals,” in exchange for $7.5 million in foreign aid, according to The Hill.
The agreement would allow Palau to decide on a case-by-case basis which migrants they will accept. For one thing, “to live and work in Palau, helping address local labor shortages in needed occupations,” they must have never been charged with a crime, according to the understanding.
“The United States deeply appreciates Palau’s cooperation in enforcing U.S. immigration laws, which remains a top priority for the Trump Administration. In this regard, the United States granted $7.5 million to address the needs of relevant Palau public services,” the U.S. embassy statement read.
The Republic of Palau officially became a sovereign nation in 1994 after being part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which was established in 1947 and administered by the United States, according to Britannica.
