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 still requires Senate approval—will enable migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum rather than being sent back to their home countries. The US State Department considers this an 'important milestone' for reducing illegal immigration and addressing concerns over the asylum system.
This agreement is part of a broader strategy, as similar arrangements have been made with countries like Paraguay, Panama, and Honduras earlier this year, all aimed at managing migrant inflows.
Critics, however, including human rights organizations, have raised alarms about potential risks to migrants who may face harm in such host countries. Belize's government insists that the agreement includes strict measures to secure national safety, allowing Belize to vet potential asylum seekers and restrict eligibility based on nationality.
Prime Minister Briceño has also indicated that this could be a means for qualified individuals to join Belize's labor force, emphasizing a preference for migrants from Central America. Yet, the opposition has voiced significant concern, suggesting the deal could lead to increased financial burdens and complicate immigration policies, questioning national sovereignty.
The US government sees this as part of a larger effort to streamline immigration policies, particularly following the US Supreme Court's green light for reinstating deportation practices.
Details on the agreement's implementation remain sparse, but the focus on economic participation and security measures highlights the delicate balance involved in handling regional migration issues.
Belize PM John Antonio Briceño stated that the deal—which still requires Senate approval—will enable migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum rather than being sent back to their home countries. The US State Department considers this an 'important milestone' for reducing illegal immigration and addressing concerns over the asylum system.
This agreement is part of a broader strategy, as similar arrangements have been made with countries like Paraguay, Panama, and Honduras earlier this year, all aimed at managing migrant inflows.
Critics, however, including human rights organizations, have raised alarms about potential risks to migrants who may face harm in such host countries. Belize's government insists that the agreement includes strict measures to secure national safety, allowing Belize to vet potential asylum seekers and restrict eligibility based on nationality.
Prime Minister Briceño has also indicated that this could be a means for qualified individuals to join Belize's labor force, emphasizing a preference for migrants from Central America. Yet, the opposition has voiced significant concern, suggesting the deal could lead to increased financial burdens and complicate immigration policies, questioning national sovereignty.
The US government sees this as part of a larger effort to streamline immigration policies, particularly following the US Supreme Court's green light for reinstating deportation practices.
Details on the agreement's implementation remain sparse, but the focus on economic participation and security measures highlights the delicate balance involved in handling regional migration issues.
