Deportation of Illegal Migrants: Sri Lanka engages US to follow due procedure

• Four Sri Lankans were arrested when trying to cross the border earlier
• Last year 117 Sri Lankans were deported under normal law of US over illegal migration
•  President Donald Trump has decided to dramatically overhaul the US immigration system

By Kelum Bandara   

In the wake of four Sri Lankans being deported after they were caught in their attempt to cross the border into the United States, Sri Lanka is now in contact with the US authorities to make sure that the procedure laid down in the Extradition Treaty and mechanisms outlined in other laws between the two countries are followed in case any Sri Lankan is sought to be deported under the migration policy of the Trump administration in the future, the Daily Mirror learns. 

These four Sri Lankans were caught in their attempt to cross the US border and were apprehended and deported to Panama where they were sent back to Sri Lanka.   
The US, under President Donald Trump has decided to dramatically overhaul the US immigration system.   
According to the US Department of State, President Trump has made it clear that under his administration, America will no longer be lied to nor taken advantage of.   
It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner, President Trump has said after winning his Presidency.   
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier, “First, we must curb mass migration and secure our borders. The State Department will no longer undertake any activities that facilitate or encourage mass migration. Our diplomatic relations with other countries, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, will prioritize securing America’s borders, stopping illegal and destabilizing migration, and negotiating the repatriation of illegal immigrants.”   
Amidst reports that there are some Sri Lankans among illegal migrants, the Sri Lankan authorities have requested that the Extradition Treaty between the US and Sri Lanka and other mechanisms be invoked in the deportation of any Sri Lankan caught as illegal migrant.   
Last year, 117 Sri Lankans were sent back from the US alone for the violation of immigration law of that country.   
“They were arrested under the immigration law of that country. They were sent back under the normal procedure,” a source said.   
The US authorities prioritize the deportation of convicted criminals and those facing criminal charges in the implementation of their policy under the new administration.