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Jamaica’s government is closely watching developments in the United States and their possible effects on the country, according to Minister of Education, Youth, Skills, and Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon.
Just days after US President Donald Trump took office on January 20, he imposed a 90-day global freeze on foreign aid to allow for a review. This decision could impact billions of dollars in funding from the US State Department and USAID, which has supported Jamaica for over 60 years in areas like health, education, and security.
At a post-Cabinet press briefing on January 29, Dr. Morris Dixon said the National Security Council met last Thursday to discuss the issue. She assured that the government has been actively assessing the situation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in constant contact with US partners. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith is expected to provide further updates soon.
Estimating the number of Jamaicans living illegally in the U.S. is difficult.
As of November 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that about 5,120 undocumented Jamaicans had deportation orders.
However, this does not include all Jamaicans without legal status. In 1996, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated that as many 70% of Jamaican migrants to the U.S. entered illegally, though current data is limited.
The U.S. plays a key role in Jamaica’s development through financial aid.
In 2021, the U.S. provided around $33.41 million in foreign assistance, focusing on health, education, and security. Additionally, Jamaican-Americans send over $2 billion in remittances annually, significantly supporting Jamaica’s economy.
Source: Jamaica GIS.
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