Search for:

Trump Administration Reaches Asylum Deal with El Salvador

author Published by Chris Pierce

The Trump Administration has brokered an asylum deal with El Salvador, according to a senior administration official and another person familiar with it, as reported by Politico. The agreement — known as a “safe third country” pact — would require El Salvador to accept asylum seekers who pass through its territory en route to the United States.

The deal, which likely requires more steps to become effective, would give President Donald Trump another tool to turn away migrants seeking refuge at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Supreme Court earlier this month allowed the administration to implement a regulation that bars asylum seekers who first pass through another nation without seeking protection in that place.

The Trump administration struck a similar safe third country deal with Guatemala in August, but it faces several hurdles to implementation. The country’s top court earlier this month lifted an injunction barring President Jimmy Morales from negotiating such a pact, which could aid finalization of the agreement. The U.S. currently has a safe third country deal only with Canada, but the Trump administration has drafted a fast-track regulation that would allow such agreements with other countries.

The administration argued in the draft text of the interim final rule — which was obtained by POLITICO — that the regulatory changes “will better position the United States as it engages in ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries.

The exact parameters of the agreement with El Salvador remain unclear. One person familiar with the deal said it wouldn’t greatly change the flow of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border since El Salvador isn’t commonly part of the route to the U.S.

For the full story, please visit Politico.

Take Action

Your voice counts! Let your Member of Congress know where you stand on immigration issues through the Action Board. Not a NumbersUSA member? Sign up here to get started.

Action Board

Donate Today!

NumbersUSA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that relies on your donations to works toward sensible immigration policies. NumbersUSA Education & Research Foundation is recognized by America's Best Charities as one of the top 3% of well-run charities.

Donate

Immigration Grade Cards

NumbersUSA provides the only comprehensive immigration grade cards. See how your member of Congress’ rates and find grades going back to the 104th Congress (1995-97).

Read More