News|Donald TrumpUS and Belize sign ‘safe third country’ agreement for asylum seekersThe agreement is the latest deal the Trump administration has struck to deport migrants to third-party countries.

The United States and Belize have formalized a "safe third country" immigration agreement, enabling the transfer of asylum seekers to Belize. This agreement represents an effort by the US administration to regulate asylum applications and manage deportations.

The agreement was signed on Mon, Oct 2, 2023, and is aligned with the principles of the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees. Belize has emphasized its commitment to international law and humanitarian standards, while the US State Department has highlighted the agreement's role in curbing illegal immigration and reinforcing bilateral cooperation.

Details of the agreement indicate that Belize will receive asylum seekers from the US in return for financial and technical support to improve its asylum and border management systems. However, the specifics of these arrangements remain undisclosed.

Recent US policy initiatives have encouraged third-party countries to accept deportees, although only a few such agreements are designated as "safe third country" accords. Countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, and others have agreed to receive deportees who lack ties to these nations.

Critics have raised concerns about the safety and legal conditions in some of these countries, underscoring potential risks to deportees. Legal advocates have reported instances of incarceration and denial of legal rights, particularly in countries with challenging human rights environments.

The Belize agreement includes provisions for a veto on transfers, restrictions on nationalities, and security screenings. It is pending approval by the Belize Senate, which will determine its implementation.

The agreement reflects a broader strategy by the US to manage asylum and deportation processes, citing challenges with repatriating individuals to their home countries. However, some countries have intermittently refused US deportation requests, complicating enforcement.

In Belize, there is domestic debate regarding the nation's capacity to fulfill the agreement's requirements. Opposition figures have questioned Belize's readiness to ensure human rights protections and adequate care for asylum seekers.

The agreement's future depends on legislative approval and the ability of Belize to meet international standards for the treatment of asylum seekers.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.