Overview
- The memorandum was signed by Palau’s Minister of State Gustav Aitaro and U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich following talks between President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
- Palau said it will decide on admissions case by case through a national working group, with no immediate timeline announced for transfers.
- Officials stated the eligible individuals have no criminal charges and could live and work in Palau to help address labor shortages.
- The United States pledged $7.5 million for Palau’s public services tied to the arrangement, alongside commitments for a hospital project, $6 million for the civil service pension system, $2 million for law enforcement, and disaster-response support.
- The agreement fits the Trump administration’s broader push to expand deportations and pursue safe‑third‑country arrangements, while earlier reservations in Palau about capacity and legal frameworks remain relevant to implementation.