Tonight, Belize is a safe third country for the United States. The agreement was signed today in Belmopan between the Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, and the Charge d Affaires at the US Embassy, Katharine Beamer.
A press release says, quote, "the Agreement reinforces Belize's commitment to international law and humanitarian principles while ensuring strong national safeguards. Belize retains an absolute veto over transfers, with restrictions on nationalities, a cap on transferees, and comprehensive security screenings. No person who is deemed to be a threat to the public safety or national security will be allowed to enter or stay in Belize. Additionally, the United States may also provide, upon request, financial and technical assistance to enhance Belize's migration and asylum management system." End quote.
Now that the agreement has been signed, it still has to be ratified by the Senate- which did not happen at today's meeting. After that, It will initially remain in effect for two years and may be terminated by either party.
The Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton put out a statement today criticizing the signing, saying the agreement was entered into "without public consultation, parliamentary debate, or full disclosure of its terms." Panton warns, quote, "This agreement, by its very nature, could reshape Belize's immigration and asylum systems, impose new financial burdens on taxpayers, and raise serious questions about national sovereignty and security.
