The Central American nation of Belize has recently finalized an agreement with the United States, designating it as a “safe third country” for migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. This accord, pending approval by the Belizean Senate, would allow migrants deported from the U.S. to apply for asylum in Belize instead of returning to their home countries. U.S. State Department officials hailed the deal as a significant step towards combating illegal immigration and preventing abuses within the asylum system, drawing parallels to a similar agreement made with Paraguay.
While the U.S. government views this as a milestone, human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition, raising concerns that migrants could be sent to countries where they may face harm. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that the agreement includes robust security measures to safeguard national sovereignty and security. These measures reportedly involve Belize retaining full authority over approving or rejecting transfers, restricting eligibility to specific nationalities, and mandating thorough background checks.
Belize’s Prime Minister, John Antonio Briceño, indicated that the program could create job opportunities for qualified individuals who wish to contribute to Belize’s economy. He also noted that the country, with a population of just over 400,000, would prioritize migrants from Central America, stating, “we’re not going to open up to the whole world.” However, the opposition leader in Belize has expressed significant concern, warning that the deal could strain taxpayer resources and raise questions about national security and sovereignty.
The U.S. State Department reiterated on social media that the agreement underscores a shared commitment to addressing hemispheric challenges together. Further details of the pact remain undisclosed. This development follows President Trump’s intensified efforts to manage undocumented migration, a key promise from his election campaign. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year also permits the administration to deport migrants to third countries, even if those countries are not their homelands, without allowing migrants to contest potential risks.
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