The immigration pact signed last week between the U.S. and Guatemala would likely change migration dynamics in the region, lessening the flow of asylum-seeking families but raising the number of single migrants who try to enter the U.S. undetected.
Under the “safe third country” agreement, Hondurans and Salvadorans would be required to apply for asylum in Guatemala instead of in the U.S. Asylum seekers from those countries apprehended at the U.S. southern border, mostly families, would be returned to Guatemala, U.S. and Guatemalan officials say…
“Single adults and those with more resources may take a chance and get to the U.S. undetected,” the migrant shelter manager said.
The pact hasn’t gone into effect yet. Guatemalan Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart said details on how to implement the plan, such as the number of migrants expected to be sent to Guatemala, will be ready in the next two weeks. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan went to Guatemala City on Wednesday for a two-day visit to hash out the details with Guatemalan officials.
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