Belize has entered into a landmark agreement with the United States to serve as a ‘safe third country’ for migrants seeking asylum in the US. Prime Minister John Antonio Briceño announced that the deal, pending approval by the Belize Senate, will enable migrants deported from the US to apply for asylum in Belize rather than being returned to their countries of origin. The US State Department hailed the agreement as a significant step toward curbing illegal immigration and addressing abuses of the US asylum system. This arrangement mirrors similar agreements recently established with Paraguay, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras, all of which have accepted deportees from the US. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns, arguing that such agreements could expose migrants to persecution or harm in the receiving countries. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the agreement includes robust security measures to safeguard national sovereignty, with Belize retaining full authority to approve or reject transfers and conducting thorough background checks. Prime Minister Briceño framed the initiative as a ‘job program,’ allowing qualified migrants to contribute to Belize’s economy, particularly those from Central America. Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton expressed concerns about the potential financial and sovereignty implications of the deal. The US State Department reiterated the agreement’s role in addressing regional migration challenges and strengthening bilateral cooperation.