US Drops Out Of U.N. Global Migration Negotiations

What’s the story?

In a statement published Sunday, CNN reports that the State Department has withdrawn the U.S. from negotiations on the United Nation’s Global Compact on Migration. The statement proclaims that participating in the compact runs afoul of U.S. sovereignty:

"While we will continue to engage on a number of fronts at the United Nations, in this case, we simply cannot in good faith support a process that could undermine the sovereign right of the United States to enforce our immigration laws and secure our borders.”

U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley also stated, "Our decisions on immigration policies must always be made by Americans and Americans alone. We will decide how best to control our borders and who will be allowed to enter our country."

Officials at the U.N. state that U.S. withdrawal is regretful, since "no one can manage international migration alone." A global conference on migration begins Monday, but the U.S. will not have officials in attendance.

What do you think?

Does it make sense to for the U.S. to withdraw from international agreements in order to protect sovereignty, or is it better to stay in the negotiations and seek compromises that include more U.S. priorities? How do you think the U.S. should be participating in efforts to deal with global migration?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Coast Guard / Creative Commons )