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Belize agrees to host migrants seeking asylum in US

October 21, 2025

Belize has signed an agreement to serve as a "safe third country" for migrants seeking asylum in the United States, allowing those deported from the US to apply for asylum in Belize instead of returning to their home countries. The agreement requires approval from the Belize Senate and includes security measures to protect Belize's sovereignty, with Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño describing it as a job program for qualified individuals who can contribute to Belize's economy. The US State Department praised the deal as an important step in ending illegal immigration, while opposition in Belize has expressed concerns about potential burdens on taxpayers and national security implications.

Who is affected

  • Migrants seeking asylum in the United States
  • Deported migrants from the US
  • Belize's population of 417,000 people
  • Belize taxpayers (mentioned in concerns by opposition)
  • Certain nationalities that will be eligible for transfer (specific nationalities not identified in the article)

What action is being taken

  • Belize has signed an agreement to act as a "safe third country" for migrants seeking asylum in the US
  • The US is deporting migrants to countries other than their homeland
  • Belize is implementing security measures including background checks as part of the agreement
  • The agreement is being submitted for approval by the Belize Senate

Why it matters

  • The agreement represents a significant shift in US-Belize migration policy
  • It could potentially reshape Belize's immigration and asylum systems
  • The agreement may impose new financial burdens on Belize's taxpayers
  • Human rights groups are concerned that migrants face risks of harm when sent to third countries
  • For Belize, it represents an opportunity to bring in qualified workers to participate in their economy
  • For the US, it's part of efforts to address illegal immigration and asylum system concerns

What's next

  • The agreement needs approval from the Belize Senate
  • Further details of the agreement will be released

Read full article from source: BBC

Belize agrees to host migrants seeking asylum in US