The US-Guatemala Asylum Cooperative Agreement: What You Need to Know

In July 2019, the United States and Guatemala signed an Asylum Cooperative Agreement (ACA) aimed at reducing the number of asylum seekers arriving at the US southern border. Under the ACA, asylum seekers from countries other than Guatemala who pass through Guatemala on their way to the US will be required to seek asylum in Guatemala instead.

The US government hailed the agreement as a significant step towards deterring illegal immigration, while critics slammed it as a violation of human rights and international law.

What is the US-Guatemala Asylum Cooperative Agreement?

The ACA is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Guatemala that aims to reduce the flow of asylum seekers to the US by requiring non-Guatemalan asylum seekers to seek protection in Guatemala first.

Under the agreement, the US can send non-Guatemalan migrants who pass through Guatemala on their way to the US back to Guatemala, where they can apply for asylum. Those who refuse to do so will be ineligible for asylum in the US.

The ACA also provides for increased cooperation between the US and Guatemala in areas such as border security, law enforcement, and intelligence sharing.

Why was the agreement signed?

The Trump administration has long been critical of the US asylum system, arguing that it is being abused by unscrupulous migrants seeking to enter the country illegally. The administration has also complained that the US is being overwhelmed by the sheer number of migrants arriving at the southern border, which it claims is putting a strain on resources and causing security concerns.

In response, the administration has implemented a number of measures aimed at reducing migration, including the so-called “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are being processed.

The ACA is the latest of these measures, and the administration hopes that it will serve as a deterrent to those thinking of making the journey to the US southern border.

What are the criticisms of the agreement?

Critics of the ACA argue that it is a violation of international law and denies asylum seekers their right to seek protection under the law. They also point out that Guatemala is not a safe country for asylum seekers, citing high rates of violence, corruption, and human rights abuses.

Furthermore, critics argue that the agreement will place an undue burden on Guatemala, a country already struggling with poverty and political instability.

Another concern is that the agreement could lead to a rise in human trafficking, as migrants who are unable to seek asylum in Guatemala may be forced to turn to illegal smugglers to help them reach the US.

Conclusion

The US-Guatemala Asylum Cooperative Agreement is a controversial measure aimed at reducing the flow of asylum seekers to the US. While the Trump administration sees it as a necessary step towards protecting American borders and resources, critics argue that it is a violation of human rights and international law that will put undue pressure on Guatemala and may lead to an increase in trafficking. The agreement has sparked heated debate and is likely to remain a contentious issue in the ongoing US immigration debate.