Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. is still considering a U.S. proposal to send 75 undocumented deportees to Palau in exchange for $7.5 million. The offer has caused strong debate and is seen as a test of Palau’s independence and leadership.

Both the Palau Congress and the Council of Chiefs have rejected the plan twice. They warn that Palau could become a “dumping ground” for people unwanted by the U.S. Many Palauans worry that the plan would strain limited resources, harm the country’s image as a “Pristine Paradise,” and weaken its system of government.

The proposal was first discussed in July, when Palau’s delegation told U.S. officials that it was “unacceptable.” A later meeting in September with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau included Palauan senators, chiefs, and other leaders. They agreed that as a “responsible partner” with a compact of free association “Palau needs to remain open to discussion rather than closing the door to dialogue.”

Despite strong opposition, President Whipps held more meetings in October and formed a working group to continue talks with Washington. Both the Palau Congress and the Council of Chiefs have rejected it twice. The Senate boycotted the meeting, showing ongoing resistance. Critics say the talks make Palau look dependent on U.S. money and aid, while giving up part of its control as a sovereign nation.

Others have brought up a past failed attempt by the U.S. to resettle Uyghur detainees from Guantanamo Bay in Palau. Bernadette Carreon reported for Pacific Island Times:

In June 2009, Palau agreed to temporarily resettle six Uyghur detainees from Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. provided $93,333 per person to cover living expenses, some of which was used to house the Uyghurs on properties owned by relatives of the then-president, Johnson Toribiong. The men never felt they could integrate with Palauan society, with some comparing the island to “a lusher, larger Guantanamo.” Attempts to work regular jobs failed and efforts to use their traditional leather-working skills proved unsuccessful. One of the men had a child born in Palau who tragically fell from a balcony and died. Within six years, coordinated by American officials, all of the Uyghurs had quietly left Palau. Palauan authorities never disclosed their destinations.

The Uyghur resettlement offers a critical context for understanding Palau’s current resistance. Despite good intentions and substantial U.S. financial support, the program failed on multiple levels.

Read more: A country that said no: Palauans nix US proposal to send deportees to Palau