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, pending approval by the Belize Senate, will allow migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum instead of being sent back to potentially perilous conditions in their home countries.
The US State Department heralded the agreement as a crucial step in curbing illegal immigration and preventing abuse of the US asylum system.
This agreement follows a similar arrangement made with Paraguay earlier this year and aligns with similar initiatives where countries like Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras have accepted deported individuals.
Despite government assurances, human rights organizations have voiced strong opposition to such deals, suggesting that migrants could face danger in these host countries.
Belize's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that strict security protocols are included in the agreement, which grants Belize the authority to determine transfers, restricts eligibility by nationality, and mandates comprehensive background checks.
Prime Minister Briceño expressed that for Belize, the initiative could serve as a 'job program,' aimed at integrating migrants with specific qualifications into the local economy, with a preference for Central American applicants.
However, opposition leader Tracy Taegar Panton has raised serious concerns regarding implications for Belize's immigration system and potential financial burdens borne by taxpayers, questioning the impact on national sovereignty and security.
Further details about the pact are yet to be unveiled. As President Donald Trump continues his aggressive immigration reforms, focusing on deporting undocumented migrants aligns with his administration's policies since his re-election.
