The small Central American nation of Belize has signed an agreement with Washington to act as a 'safe third country' for migrants as they seek asylum in the United States.
Belize PM John Antonio Briceño stated that the deal, which requires Senate approval, would allow migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum rather than returning to their home countries.
The US State Department hailed it as 'an important milestone in ending illegal immigration' and 'shutting down abuse' of the US asylum system.
This agreement appears reminiscent of a similar deal with Paraguay made in August. In recent months, other countries such as Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras have accepted deported individuals from the US.
However, human rights organizations have criticized these agreements, arguing that they may expose migrants to harm.
Belize's foreign affairs ministry noted that the agreement includes stringent security measures to protect national sovereignty, stating, 'The Agreement gives Belize full authority to approve or reject transfers, limits eligibility to specific nationalities, and ensures comprehensive background checks.'
Prime Minister Briceño indicates that this arrangement will mainly serve as a job program for qualified individuals to contribute to Belize's economy and emphasized a preference for migrants from Central America, noting, 'We’re not going to open up to the whole world.'
Opposition leader Tracy Taegar Panton expressed serious concerns regarding potential impacts on Belize’s immigration system, fiscal pressure on taxpayers, and broader implications for national security.
Despite the US government promoting the agreement as a key step in managing immigration challenges, significant details are yet to be disclosed. The move aligns with President Trump's ongoing efforts towards stricter immigration control, a hallmark of his administration.
Belize PM John Antonio Briceño stated that the deal, which requires Senate approval, would allow migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum rather than returning to their home countries.
The US State Department hailed it as 'an important milestone in ending illegal immigration' and 'shutting down abuse' of the US asylum system.
This agreement appears reminiscent of a similar deal with Paraguay made in August. In recent months, other countries such as Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras have accepted deported individuals from the US.
However, human rights organizations have criticized these agreements, arguing that they may expose migrants to harm.
Belize's foreign affairs ministry noted that the agreement includes stringent security measures to protect national sovereignty, stating, 'The Agreement gives Belize full authority to approve or reject transfers, limits eligibility to specific nationalities, and ensures comprehensive background checks.'
Prime Minister Briceño indicates that this arrangement will mainly serve as a job program for qualified individuals to contribute to Belize's economy and emphasized a preference for migrants from Central America, noting, 'We’re not going to open up to the whole world.'
Opposition leader Tracy Taegar Panton expressed serious concerns regarding potential impacts on Belize’s immigration system, fiscal pressure on taxpayers, and broader implications for national security.
Despite the US government promoting the agreement as a key step in managing immigration challenges, significant details are yet to be disclosed. The move aligns with President Trump's ongoing efforts towards stricter immigration control, a hallmark of his administration.
