Agreement with Guatemala: Understanding the New Immigration Policy

On July 26, 2019, the United States and Guatemala signed the Asylum Cooperative Agreement. This agreement established a new immigration policy that aims to limit the number of asylum seekers entering the United States from Central America.

Under the terms of the agreement, the United States has the authority to send asylum seekers who passed through Guatemala to seek asylum in the United States back to Guatemala to apply for asylum there first. This policy also applies to other Central American countries if they pass through Guatemala on their way to the United States.

The purpose of this agreement is to establish a regional approach to the immigration crisis. The United States and Guatemala aim to work together to address the root causes of migration and asylum claims. They hope to establish a system of cooperation that would reduce the number of asylum seekers entering the United States.

The agreement has been met with criticism from human rights organizations. They argue that Guatemala is not a safe country for asylum seekers and that the country`s asylum system is inadequate. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of LGBTQ individuals, women, and children in Guatemala.

Proponents of the agreement argue that it is a step in the right direction to address the immigration crisis. They argue that it will help to reduce the number of fraudulent asylum claims and limit the number of people entering the United States illegally.

So, what does this mean for asylum seekers from Central America? Under the new policy, asylum seekers who pass through Guatemala must apply for asylum there first. If their claim is denied, they will be sent back to their home country. If their claim is accepted in Guatemala, they will not be able to seek asylum in the United States.

The agreement with Guatemala will have significant implications for the immigration system in the United States. It has already been met with legal challenges and has yet to be fully implemented. It remains to be seen how effective this policy will be in addressing the immigration crisis and reducing the number of asylum seekers entering the United States.