The United States and Belize have concluded an agreement whereby Belize will become a "safe third country" for migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. This agreement, announced by the Belizean government on social media, allows individuals applying for asylum in the United States to be temporarily relocated to Belize while their applications are being processed. The agreement, signed by Belize's Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca, and a representative of the U.S. Embassy, Katharine Beamer, has a duration of two years but must be approved by the Belizean Senate.
The U.S. State Department emphasized that this agreement is an important measure in combating illegal immigration and abuses of the asylum system. It joins other similar initiatives concluded by the U.S. with countries such as Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras.