Palau gained independence from the US in 1994. (AFP: The Pew Charitable Trusts / Matt Rand)
Photo: AFP / The Pew Charitable Trusts / Matt Rand
Correction: This story was amended on 3 February 2026 to clarify the status and intent of legislation considered by Palau’s Senate, and to remove the implication that the deal has been fully blocked.
Palau’s Senate has voted for changes in an attempt to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States.
This follows an announcement last month that President Surangel Whipps Jr agreed to a deal with the US to take up to 75 deportees.
The bill would halt implementation of that deal – however it required support from the House of Delegates to become law – that support has not been forthcoming.
Supporters said the legislation changes were necessary to prevent the deal from taking effect without adequate legal and humanitarian protections in place.
Island Times reported the Palau National Congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau) sat for a rare three-day session to advance and pass a bill to introduce sweeping amendments to the country’s immigration laws.
Senator Salvador Tellames noted Palau is not a party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and lacks a comprehensive legal framework to manage such cases.
Opponents raised concerns about the bill’s framing, with Senator Mason Whipps arguing the legislation unfairly singled out the United States.
He said some sections explicitly reference US authorities while others apply to all foreign governments.
Also opposing the bill, Senator Eldebechel warned that once enacted, the law could foreclose future discussion on accepting deportees or asylum seekers, suggesting they wait for the proposed national referendum.
The bill passed its third and final reading by a 12-3 vote.
Senators agreed that Palau’s citizens should have the final say on the deal, and passed another bill which calls for a national referendum.
