PRISTINA, Kosovo — The government of Kosovo announced on Wednesday its consent to a U.S. request to temporarily take in up to 50 migrants from other countries each year. Kosovo’s administration clarified that these individuals would only be relocated for a limited period, aiming to ensure their safe return to their countries of origin.
Upon re-entering office in January, President Donald Trump began implementing plans for widespread deportations as part of his commitment to addressing illegal immigration. The timing of the U.S. request to Kosovo or whether similar appeals have been made to neighboring countries remains uncertain.
In its statement, Kosovo highlighted the United States as a “steadfast ally” and commended the longstanding partnership built on mutual values. The Kosovo government stated it would select individuals from a suggested group, ensuring that they adhere to specified criteria concerning public order and adherence to the rule of law.
“We greatly value the support from the United States, particularly as we pursue our goals towards integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions,” the statement emphasized.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., protests continue against Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement, criticized for disrupting migrant families.
The historical context of U.S.-Kosovo relations includes a 1998-1999 conflict in Kosovo that cost about 11,400 lives. A 78-day NATO air campaign, led by the U.S., concluded the war, halting Serbian aggression against ethnic Albanians and resulting in the withdrawal of Serbian forces and control from Kosovo.
Kosovo proclaimed its independence from Serbia in 2008. While most Western countries acknowledge this sovereignty, Serbia, along with its allies Russia and China, do not.