News from 2023


Designation of Ramiz Merko, Mayor of Struga, North Macedonia, for Significant Corruption

News Release: The United States is designating the mayor of the municipality of Struga, North Macedonia, Ramiz Merko, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States, due to his involvement in significant corruption. While serving as Struga’s mayor, Merko misappropriated funds and interfered with judicial and other public processes, damaging the public’s faith in North Macedonia’s democratic institutions and officials.


State Department discusses 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Welcome Corps Application on June 20

The US State Department published a three page notice on June 20, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.



McCaul Applauds Committee Passage of Multiple Foreign Affairs Bills

News Release: Washington, D.C. - House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) reacts to today’s committee passage of multiple bills.


The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Announces New Approach to Address the Impacts of Climate Change on Migration and Displacement

News Release: As the world seeks to tackle the the climate crisis, it is vital that we develop smart, humane policies to address the impacts of climate change on migration and displacement within countries and across borders. Climate change increasingly drives mobility and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, requiring ...


Special Representative Syed Promotes Partnerships with U.S. Businesses in Suriname and Brazil

From May 30 to June 5, Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Dilawar Syed is visiting Paramaribo, Suriname, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.


Ambassador at Large Fick’s Travel to Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia

From June 5 to 9, Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) Nathaniel C. Fick will travel to Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia for meetings with government and industry leaders, as well as members of civil society.


Designation of Laurent Salvador Lamothe – Former Haitian Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation – for Involvement in Significant Corruption

Today, I am announcing the designation of Laurent Salvador Lamothe, former Haitian Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, for his involvement in significant corruption.


U.S.-Colombia Joint Commitment to Address the Hemispheric Challenge of Irregular Migration

On April 11, 2023, the governments of Colombia, Panama, and the United States of America held a trilateral meeting in Panama City, Republic of Panama to discuss joint efforts on border security and the migratory challenges happening in the Darien.


Assistant Secretary Nichols’ Travel to The Bahamas

Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols will travel to The Bahamas, on June 8-9.


U.S.-Costa Rica Joint Commitment to Address the Hemispheric Challenge of Irregular Migration

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Costa Rica.


2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: The Bahamas

The Government of The Bahamas fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.


2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Argentina

The Government of Argentina fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.


2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Belize

The Government of Belize does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.


New Book Explores History & Magnificence of State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms

News Release: An upcoming book, “AMERICA’S COLLECTION: The Art & Architecture of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State" (Rizzoli Electa, September 5, 2023), offers a fascinating exploration of a little-known treasure of American art and architecture: 42 meticulously designed and decorated state rooms where secretaries of state and foreign dignitaries have gathered to conduct diplomacy in discreet yet elegant surroundings over the decades.


2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Venezuela

Venezuela does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making any efforts to do so, even considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Venezuela remained on Tier 3.


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan

Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.


Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with G7 and EU Representatives

News Release: The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller


2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Guyana

The Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.