Overview:
Palau has begun screening a list of third-country nationals under its agreement with the United States, even as a Senate lawsuit challenging the process moves forward after a court denied a temporary restraining order.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — Palau has received a list of third-country nationals for screening under its memorandum of understanding with the United States regarding the acceptance of deportees, confirmed Minister Jennifer Olegeriil.
The list was submitted about two weeks ago. Under the agreement, Palau has 14 days to screen individuals once their names are provided.
There have been no updates on the status of those being reviewed. However, the president’s working group has held meetings, presumably to screen the names on the list.
Meanwhile, a legal challenge filed by the Senate against Surangel S. Whipps Jr., seeking a temporary restraining order to block the entry of deportees while the case proceeds, was denied by the court.
The lawsuit remains active even as the screening process continues.
In a related development, Mason Whipps, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, has raised objections to the lawsuit. In a letter to Senate President Hokkons Baules, he said he was included in the filing without his knowledge or consent.
Mason Whipps also stated that the Senate was not represented by its legal counsel but by a private attorney. He called on senators who support the lawsuit to cover the legal costs in their personal capacities.