Following the visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to Guatemala, the business sector assures that in order to reduce illegal migration from Central America to the US, it is necessary to create a favorable and comfortable environment for local and foreign investment in the countries of the region.
As part of Harris' visit to Guatemala, Agexport prepared a document with proposals that reflect the experience it has accumulated over many years, incorporating Guatemalans and small rural businesses into export chains, generating income that allows them to remain in their territories.
Strengthening trade between the US and the region, fighting corruption in the Northern Triangle and reducing illegal migration flows, are some of the axes on which Joe Biden, the US president who has been sworn in, is expected to focus.
Biden, representative of the Democratic Party and winner of the last US elections, whose results were close, arrives at the White House to replace Donald Trump.
Guatemalan exporters report that President Trump's warning about export tariffs and taxes on remittances and transfers is raising doubts among U.S. buyers.
Uncertainty prevails among most Guatemalan businessmen after President Trump reacted to the provisional protection established by the Guatemalan Constitutional Court, which limits the functions of the Executive Branch to negotiate or sign any foreign policy agreement.
Guatemala's business sector responded with concern to President Trump's warning about imposing export tariffs and levies on remittances and transfers.
The announcement made by the president of the United States comes after the Guatemalan Constitutional Court issued a ruling in which it limits its foreign policy functions to the Executive, by granting a provisional injunction that prevents the negotiation or signing of any agreement.
In the NAFTA review carried out by the Central American and U.S. authorities, it is ruled out that the U.S. government will apply trade sanctions in retaliation for the deepening of the migration problem.
After the Trump administration pressured Mexico with the threat of increased tariffs on Mexican imports, the region has generated expectations for the planned review of the NAFTA with Central America.
The execution of five energy and infrastructure projects in Southern Mexico and the Northern Triangle of Central America could boost the area's economic growth and slow migration.
The projects discussed now are not new, they have been part of the discussion of the region's businessmen and governments for years, but now they have come back into the discussion, as a possible response to the pressure exerted by the U.S.
The timeframe for tourist visas has been reduced to 90 days and the period of validity for temporary cards for those seeking temporary or permanent residence reduced from 12 to 6 months.
From Decree 590 of the Executive Branch, published in La Gaceta:
"...Article 16.Immigration authorities at the National Immigration Servicewill issue tourist visas valid for a period notexceeding ninety (90) days, if foreigners comply with the requirements of this regulation without prejudicing what is established in international agreements ratified by the Republic of Panama and the principles of reciprocity."
A new edict orders procedures which are very similar to the "melting pot" held under previous administrations, in order to regularize the status of undocumented immigrants.
An article on Prensa.com reports that "...Decrees 167 and 168 issued on June 3, 2016 by the Executive for general regularization and also for migrants from China, respectively, have generated a debate about its resemblance to Decree 547 of July 22, 2012, whereby migratory regularization fairs known as the Melting Pot were created during the administration of Ricardo Martinelli."
Using a mobile application travelers arriving at Tocumen airport can carry out security prechecks up to two weeks before arriving in the country.
The digital system can be used by Panamanians and foreigners on computers, tablets and mobile phones, allowing travelers to enter their personal and flight data for review prior to their entry to the airport.
The disordered nature of their living conditions has been described as a positive catalyst for creative thinking.
When talking about successful immigrants, emphasis has traditionally been given to their hunger for progress, their determination, and their hard working nature. But modern studies on the subject are drawing more attention to the "world being turned upside down" -which is what happens to those who emigrate- as the main factor which explains how so many immigrants are revealed to have exceptional, even genius capabilities.
It has been announced that there will be an end to liberality in granting residence permits in the so-called melting pot, and the revision of the immigration status of resident foreigners whose papers have expired.
From a statement issued by the Presidency of Panama:
The Government of the Republic of Panama has approved an executive decree establishing immigration controls and regulating the immigration status of foreigners whose extraordinary provisional migratory permits have expired.
The government has asked the Assembly to return to the first legislative body a bill which eliminates the immigration fairs and to start discussions to establish a migration code.
At the request of the executive branch, "... The document was dropped from second to first debate, "arguing that it had to go back for review and take into account the considerations of the business sector, particularly the hotel industry and businesses linked to the Colon Free Zone.
"... Some of the professions reserved for national citizens are chemical engineering and petrochemicals, careers which are not offered by any university in Panama. "
EDITORIAL
Acting as a backdrop to the contradiction between migrant's human right to work and the need to reserve jobs for nationals, is the upkeep of competitiveness and economic development of each country.
An announcement has been made that the next round of issuance of residence permits to foreigners will be the last, in a change to the policy "aimed at strengthening borders to preventing the influx of illegal immigrants."
Panamaamerica.com reports that "On 12 October, on the same day as 'Día de la Hispanidad' Panama will hold for the last time the fair for mass regularization of foreigners, known as the 'Melting Pot'."