Whipps Says ‘Misinformation’ Fueling Debate Over U.S. Offer for Palau to Host 75 Deportees

By: L.N. Reklai

KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. said this week that “misunderstanding and misinformation” have clouded the ongoing debate over a U.S. proposal for Palau to temporarily host 75 individuals described as both deportees and asylum seekers.

Speaking to reporters, Whipps said the controversy has been fueled by incomplete information and speculation, creating public fear and division. He explained that Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur proposed the formation of a working group during a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary Landau. The group, now led by Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil, has been tasked with developing criteria and procedures for screening and processing the individuals, should Palau agree to the arrangement.

“No decision has been made,” Olegeriil said, emphasizing that the group’s purpose is to “ensure transparency”.

Whipps clarified that the individuals in question were people who entered or worked in the United States without legal documentation and are now facing deportation. However, he said many of them have also applied for asylum on grounds that returning to their countries of origin could endanger their lives. “These are not criminals,” Whipps said. “Their only offense was entering the United States illegally and working without proper permits.”

If Palau agrees to accept them, Whipps said, they would enter under Palau’s existing immigration laws. They could arrive on tourist visas that may be converted to work permits if matched with local employers through the Bureau of Labor. The U.S. government would provide $100,000 to assist with their living arrangements and integration, or with their return if remaining in Palau is not possible.

However, some questions remained unresolved — including how long Palau might be expected to host the individuals, whether the $100,000 support fund would be renewed, and what would happen if the asylum seekers refused to stay yet cannot safely return home.

Whipps confirmed that as part of the broader proposal, the U.S. has offered $6 million to support Palau’s financially struggling Pension Plan and $2 million for law enforcement. He urged the public not to be swayed by “conspiracy theories and false narratives,”  saying they distracted from what he views as a straightforward process.

Despite his assurances, opposition remains strong. The national Council of Chiefs has reiterated its firm stance against the proposal, citing the potential harm to Palau’s international image and social stability. In a letter to President Whipps, the Council said that while Palau deeply values its “special relationship with the United States,” it “is not ready, willing and prepared to venture into this new area of responsibility.”

The Chiefs expressed concern that hosting individuals labeled as deportees or asylum seekers could erode Palau’s hard-earned reputation as a “peaceful, pristine paradise” — a place known as a peaceful home to family, friends and visitors. The letter warned that introducing “deportees who may or may not be refugees” could damage Palau’s identity as a sanctuary for peace and its attractiveness to visitors, investors, and residents alike.

However, not all traditional leaders share that view. The Angaur State Council of Chiefs has publicly expressed willingness to host the group, urging the national government to consider Angaur as an ideal place for the asylum seekers, noting their history of working with foreigners.

Public concern escalated after a video circulated online showing U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a meeting of President Donald Trump’s cabinet, describing the group in highly negative terms. “We are actively searching for other countries to take these people,” Rubio said. “We want to send some of the most despicable human beings — perverts, pedophiles, and child rapists — to your countries as a favor to us. The farther from America, the better.”

The comments intensified fears that Palau could unknowingly accept individuals with criminal histories, contradicting Whipps’ assurance that the group consists only of nonviolent migrants seeking refuge.

Whipps responded that Palau would not be obligated to accept everyone proposed by the U.S. “Palau will have the choice of who to accept,” he said. “That’s why the working group exists — to ensure that only those who meet our standards for safety and security would be considered.”