Overview:
Palau lawmakers propose a national referendum allowing citizens to decide whether U.S. deportees can live in Palau. The vote emphasizes democratic control and guides national policy.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
NGERULMUD, Palau (January 16, 2026) — Lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Olbiil era Kelulau that would ask voters to weigh in on whether Palau should accept non-Palauan individuals deported from the United States under a possible bilateral agreement.
According to the committee report for Senate Bill 12-54, the measure is intended “to establish a public referendum on whether to accept certain individuals deported from the United States.” The report emphasizes that the referendum itself would not authorize or prohibit the transfer of any individuals, nor would it change Palau’s immigration laws.
Instead, the referendum is designed to “provide guidance to the national government regarding future actions taken pursuant to any memorandum of understanding or similar arrangement with the United States,” the report states.
The bill proposes that no later than 60 days after the act takes effect, the Palau Election Commission conduct a nationwide referendum. Voters would be asked to answer yes or no to the following question put forward by the Senate:
“Should the Republic of Palau accept non-Palauan individuals who have been identified by the United States as subject to removal from the United States and allow them to live in Palau under an agreement with the United States?”
The referendum proposal comes alongside another recently introduced Senate measure, Bill 12-53, which seeks to amend and clarify Palau’s immigration laws.
Under the proposed amendments, no non-citizen of Palau would be allowed to enter the country for the purpose of residence, employment or long-term stay if that individual has been issued a removal order by the United States or any other country. The bill further clarifies that Palau would not accept individuals for humanitarian resettlement, refugee protection or because they are unable to return to their country of origin.
During a Senate session on Wednesday, Sen. Nakamura said the amendments are intended to remove uncertainty from existing immigration laws.
“These amendments will clarify our immigration laws so that there will be no confusion or misinterpretations,” Nakamura said.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. also addressed the issue during a press conference on Thursday, saying the United States has sought updates on Palau’s position regarding hosting third-country nationals.
“The U.S. has asked the status of Palau’s agreement to hosting third-country nationals,” Whipps said. “Basically, they’re asking when can they start sending them, to which I said we will let them know when we are ready.”
Asked about the proposed referendum, Whipps said lawmakers are within their authority to introduce such legislation.
“Lawmakers have the right to propose any legislation they want,” he said.