The Trump administration is exploring a safe third country agreement with El Salvador to deport non-Salvadoran migrants, preventing them from seeking U.S. asylum. This agreement would allow for the deportation of gang members and enhance U.S. immigration policy but raises concerns about how El Salvador would handle such deportations. The plan highlights Trump’s broader efforts to tighten border security and curb illegal immigration.

The Trump administration is considering a new asylum agreement with El Salvador, which would enable the United States to deport non-Salvadoran migrants back to El Salvador. This proposal, termed a “Safe Third Country” agreement, would prevent these migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S. and instead direct them to apply for protection in El Salvador. This move may enhance the administration’s immigration policy by providing means to deport migrants from countries like Venezuela that resist U.S. deportations.

If finalized, this agreement would resemble a previous plan between the Trump administration and El Salvador, which was never enacted and subsequently cancelled by President Biden. The strategy could facilitate the deportation of gang members, particularly those affiliated with Tren de Aragua, a targeted Venezuelan gang. Under current President Nayib Bukele, who has gained popularity for his aggressive anti-gang measures, it remains uncertain how these deported individuals would be managed after arrival in El Salvador.

President Bukele’s administration has been a critical ally in the fight against illegal immigration, highlighted by a recent phone discussion with former President Trump about joint efforts against transnational gangs and illegal migration. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing his commitment to curtailing mass migration, plans to visit El Salvador in early February as part of a larger Latin American tour.

Trump’s approach includes granting immigration officials increased authority to detain and deport unauthorized immigrants, restricting asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border, and utilizing military resources for immigration enforcement. Military aircraft are currently engaged in transferring migrants who entered the country illegally, while active-duty troops are being deployed to build barriers against unlawful crossings, despite the legal limitations on military involvement in civilian law enforcement.

The implementation of a safe third country agreement would further Trump’s strategy to tighten U.S. border security against migrants and asylum seekers by a combination of infrastructural barriers and extensive policy reforms. This might complicate other administration actions on asylum, including rapid deportation of migrants and the reinstatement of the Remain-in-Mexico policy requiring asylum seekers to remain outside the U.S. while their applications are processed.

Currently, the U.S. maintains one safe third country agreement with Canada, facilitating the exchange of asylum claimants. Previous accords established with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador during the Trump administration did not gain traction, as all were suspended when President Biden assumed office.

The article discusses the Trump administration’s potential agreement with El Salvador that would allow the U.S. to deport migrants who are not from that country. This idea revives previous proposals for what is known as a ‘Safe Third Country’ agreement, designed to deter asylum seekers from entering the U.S. Ultimately, it explores the implications for U.S. immigration policy and the role of foreign partnerships in addressing migration issues.

In summary, the potential asylum agreement with El Salvador signifies another chapter in the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration strategy. The focus on deporting migrants to El Salvador, particularly gang members, coupled with the militarization of immigration enforcement, represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. The success of this initiative hinges on the cooperation of the Salvadoran government and its capacity to manage deported individuals effectively, which is still uncertain.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com

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