🔗 Share this article

This compact Latin American state of Belize has concluded an deal with US authorities to act as a "safe third country" for foreign nationals while they seek asylum in America

Deal Details

The nation's Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño stated the deal - needing ratified by the nation's senate - will mean that asylum seekers deported from America could apply for refuge in place of returning to their home countries

The US State Department described it as "an important milestone in stopping unauthorized migration", and "shutting down exploitation" of the US asylum system

Regional Situation

This arrangement seems to be akin to a deal with Paraguay revealed in last summer

In recent months Central American nations, Costa Rica, nearby nations and partner nations have also accepted individuals removed by the US

Criticism and Reaction

Civil society entities in the United States and abroad have sharply condemned these agreements, stating migrants face the threat of being sent to nations wherein they might face danger

The nation's diplomatic corps announced on social media that this arrangement "includes strict safety protocols to secure Belize's national security and sovereignty"

"This deal provides the country full authority to approve or reject relocations, constrains eligibility to certain origins, and ensures comprehensive background checks, among other measures"

Financial Outlook

Head of Government the official informed local media that for Belize it could represent "more like a employment initiative, through which foreign nationals with specific skills might relocate to the nation" and "engage productively in the national economy"

The leader mentioned that this nation - boasting a citizenry of approximately half a million people - would choose to welcome individuals from neighboring countries, emphasizing "we will not open up to all countries"

Governmental Opposition

But opposition chief the opposition figure expressed "deep apprehension" about the deal, stating it "might transform the country's migration and protection systems, place additional fiscal pressures on residents, and generate significant issues about state independence and safety"

United States Standpoint

The US State Department announced on online platforms that the agreement was "an important milestone in stopping undocumented entry, shutting down misuse of our nation's refugee process, and reinforcing our shared commitment to addressing issues in our hemisphere jointly"

Additional information of the agreement have are still unavailable

Larger Migration Context

Following the commencement of his renewed mandate, US President the president has initiated comprehensive measures to deport illegal immigrants - an important election promise that drew mass support in the election race

During summer, the US Supreme Court paved the path for US authorities to restart removals of foreign nationals to nations different from their nation of origin while denying them the possibility to raise possible threats they may experience with authorities