The Migratory Stabilization Plan for Guatemalan Refugees; number of Guatemalans who returned to Guatemala after the Peace Accords and of those who remained without status in Mexico; criteria for returning Guatemalan refugees, whether voluntarily or not (1995-2001) [MEX38188.E]

For information on the issues of stay or return of Guatemalan refugees in Mexico, please refer to MEX38189.E of 1 February 2002 and its attachments.

However, no specific references to a program called the Migratory Stabilization Plan for Guatemalan Refugees could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. Please find attached a 1999 report that refers to "an official plan called Migratory Stabilisation for Guatemalan Refugees, which began implementation in 1996" and reportedly gave Guatemalan refugees in Mexico "three options: return to their country, stay as legal immigrants, or adopt Mexican citizenship" (IPS 9 May 1999). Please note that the reports attached to MEX38189.E contain extensive references to the repatriation and settlement programs for Guatemalan refugees in the period reportedly covered by the above-mentioned plan (1996-1999), albeit without specific reference to a specific name for the program or programs under which these occurred.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference


Inter Press Service (IPS). 9 May 1999. Pilar Franco. "Guatemala-Refugees: Repatriation Plan to Wind Down." (NEXIS)

Attachment


Inter Press Service (IPS). 9 May 1999. Pilar Franco. "Guatemala-Refugees: Repatriation Plan to Wind Down." (NEXIS)