Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Homan drew a stark contrast between the UK's handling of its agreement with Rwanda and the approach being taken by the current US administration under President Donald Trump.
When asked why the UK was unsuccessful in executing its plan to send migrants to Rwanda, Homan responded bluntly: 'They're not the United States of America. They don't have President Trump running the show.'
The UK's plan to relocate asylum seekers who entered the country illegally to Rwanda was scrapped in 2024 after the Labour Party came to power. The party argued that the agreement with Rwanda would not effectively address the growing number of migrants arriving in the UK, and that it raised legal and ethical concerns.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since faced domestic criticism for having no viable alternative to deter irregular migration, with critics saying his government abandoned the Rwanda scheme without a clear replacement.
Meanwhile, the US has moved ahead with its own deal with Rwanda, with at least 250 migrants expected to be transferred from the US to Rwanda. The move is part of President Trump's broader immigration strategy, which includes tougher border enforcement and international partnerships.
Asked when the first deportees would be sent to Rwanda under the new agreement, Homan kept it brief: 'Working on it,' he said.
Reports indicated that the number of migrants could exceed the initial 250, depending on future negotiations. Importantly, migrants will not be required to stay in Rwanda against their will as they will have the option to relocate to third countries.
"Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade," Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
