GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyanese government has confirmed ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the United States regarding the potential acceptance of third-country nationals from the North American nation. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud disclosed that these discussions focus on establishing a mutually beneficial framework aligned with both national priorities and U.S. objectives.
This development occurs within the broader context of the second Trump administration’s intensified efforts to redirect asylum processing away from American soil. Since early 2025, Washington has systematically approached numerous Caribbean nations and other global partners to establish migration transfer agreements. The U.S. strategy involves designating participating nations as ‘safe third countries’ for asylum seekers and deported migrants.
Notably, the United States has secured cooperation from several nations including Belize, Ecuador, Honduras, Uganda, Ghana, and Rwanda. The arrangement typically includes economic incentives such as tariff reductions and immigration concessions, though concerns persist regarding human rights protections for relocated individuals.
Recent developments show expanding regional engagement, with both Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda announcing separate understandings with Washington. Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit characterized the agreement as strengthening bilateral relations and demonstrating regional partnership. Conversely, Antigua and Barbuda clarified that their arrangement constitutes a non-binding memorandum of understanding rather than a formal agreement, emphasizing that the U.S. approached over one hundred governments worldwide including multiple CARICOM members.