This compact Central American nation of this jurisdiction has finalized an deal with US authorities to function as a "safe third country" for migrants when they apply for asylum in the United States
The nation's PM the head of government stated this agreement - which must be authorized by the legislative body - would signify that migrants deported from the US would be eligible for protection instead of being sent back to their native lands
American authorities referred to it as "a crucial development in stopping undocumented entry", and "preventing exploitation" of America's protection framework
The deal appears to be akin to an arrangement with Paraguay disclosed in last summer
Recently Panama, Costa Rica, cooperating countries and allied territories have also taken in migrants expelled by the US
Civil society entities in the United States and overseas have sharply condemned these agreements, saying migrants face the threat of being relocated to nations wherein they might face danger
The nation's foreign ministry stated on digital channels that this deal "includes stringent safety protocols to secure the nation's state security and independence"
"This arrangement gives the country total discretion to accept or deny movements, constrains eligibility to certain origins, and ensures extensive background checks, among other measures"
Prime Minister the official told local media that for Belize it would become "more like a work scheme, through which individuals with certain qualifications might relocate to the nation" and "participate meaningfully in our economy"
He added that the country - which has a population of 417,000 - would prefer to take people from the region, stating "we don't intend to provide access to all countries"
However opposition chief the critical voice voiced "deep apprehension" about the deal, saying it "could reshape the country's migration and refuge processes, create additional financial burdens on citizens, and raise important concerns about national sovereignty and protection"
US officials declared on online platforms that the agreement was "an important milestone in ending illegal immigration, curtailing exploitation of our nation's asylum system, and reinforcing common resolve to addressing challenges in our hemisphere collectively"
Further details of this arrangement have remain undisclosed
Following the beginning of his renewed mandate, US President the administration has initiated comprehensive measures to remove illegal immigrants - an important campaign pledge that drew significant approval throughout the political contest
During summer, the US Supreme Court removed obstacles for the administration to resume deportations of migrants to nations aside from their homeland while denying them the possibility to discuss possible threats they might face with officials
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