President Donald Trump will no longer allow the U.S. asylum system to be abused. The recent signing of a Safe Third Country Agreement with Paraguay allows asylum seekers in the United States to pursue their protection claims in Paraguay. “We thank President Santiago Peña for his leadership in combating illegal immigration and partnering to create a more secure hemisphere,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X.
A Safe Third Country Agreement is a bilateral arrangement between two countries that requires asylum-seekers to apply for protection in the first safe country they come to, rather than in the country they ultimately wish to live in.
These agreements aim to prevent individuals from applying for asylum in multiple countries to increase their chances of approval, and to reduce the pressure on the immigration systems of countries like the United States.
The U.S. and Paraguay are both “very concerned about. . .illegal and irregular migration, which poses a national security threat,” said Secretary Rubio at the agreement signing. “The illegal immigration that has been abused, obviously is something that can cause national security problems for both countries.”
The United States been “very focused on establishing safe third country agreements within Latin America, South America, and even in Africa,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar. “We look at Paraguay as a law enforcement and border security partner.”
“The American asylum system is one that has been significantly abused in the previous administration,” said Deputy Secretary Edgar. An agreement like this “really starts to loosen the burden within Homeland Security and our ability to be able to process and provide the asylum process to people that are actually deserving of it and go through the process.”
This asylum agreement is emblematic of the broader strategic partnership between the United States and Paraguay, said Secretary Rubio in a press statement. “Under President Santiago Peña’s leadership, we are deepening cooperation across security, diplomatic, and economic fronts. Together, we are combating transnational crime, countering malign actors, and advancing regional stability.”
“Paraguay’s designation of key terrorist organizations reflects its commitment to regional and global interests,” noted Secretary Rubio, “while its enormous economic potential offers opportunities for greater collaboration in energy, mining, and technology.”
Ongoing engagement with partners like Paraguay is vital to deterring illegal immigration and securing America’s borders. The United States remains committed to working with Paraguay to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for the Western Hemisphere.
US Signs Third Country Asylum Agreement With Paraguay
Third country asylum agreement with Paraguay.
President Donald Trump will no longer allow the U.S. asylum system to be abused. The recent signing of a Safe Third Country Agreement with Paraguay allows asylum seekers in the United States to pursue their protection claims in Paraguay.