Belize, a small Central American nation, has entered into a landmark agreement with the United States to serve as a ‘safe third country’ for migrants seeking asylum in the US. The deal, which awaits approval from the Belize Senate, would allow migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum in Belize rather than returning to their countries of origin. Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño described the arrangement as akin to a ‘job program,’ emphasizing that qualified individuals could contribute meaningfully to Belize’s economy. The US State Department hailed the agreement as a critical step in curbing illegal immigration and addressing abuses of the asylum system. However, the deal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, which warn that migrants could face harm in third countries. Belize’s Foreign Ministry assured that the agreement includes stringent security measures to safeguard national sovereignty and allows Belize full discretion in approving or rejecting transfers. Opposition leader Tracy Taegar Panton expressed concerns about the potential financial and security implications for Belize. This agreement mirrors similar deals with other Central American nations, including Paraguay, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration policies, which have intensified since his re-election, including a recent Supreme Court ruling enabling deportations to non-home countries without risk assessments.